In 2009 we rebuilt our back yard due to a failing retaining wall. This is where and how my gardens began.
A personal disaster can be a tough road, and it can be the beginning of something new—a space to realize something amazing. I’ve learned that and at least a zillion other lessons in this space. Nature is an amazing teacher (read more about nature connection).
![Concrete wall broken and lying in the woods.](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/3AnotherFallenShot.jpg)
![Broken concrete wall in landscape, house in near distance.](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/FallenWall.jpg)
![](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2CrackedWall.jpg)
![Man coiling a rope near big tree with chain tied to it.](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/4BigTree.jpg)
![Man in street with arms folded watching excavator lift concrete blocks from trailer.](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SupervisingBlocks-2.jpg)
![Stack of concrete blocks near excavator and trailer with one more block.](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BlocksStacked-2.jpg)
![Walls made of concrete blocks in yard of bare dirt.](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/5Built.jpg)
![](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/6new-story.jpg)
![A few young plants and a trellis near concrete block wall.](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/9FirstGarden.jpg)
![A few plants, two with blooms and a concrete fountain.](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/7.12YearsAgo.jpg)
![Young budding plants near concrete fountain.](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/10EarlyFountain.jpg)
![Bright green landscape with young perennial gardens, concrete fountain, blue umbrella.](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/11EarlySuccess.jpg)
![](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/11FirstLilac.jpg)
![](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/11GainingLiliesValley.jpg)
![](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/13GainingFlowers.jpg)
![](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/12Tulips.jpg)
![](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/16DSCF7523.jpg)
![](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/16LotsaWork.jpg)
![](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/17Statue.jpg)
![](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/18Poppies.jpg)
![](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/19CukesToo.jpg)
![](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/20Tomatoes.jpg)
![](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/21TonsaFlowers.jpg)
![](https://susanmcdowellcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/22BigView.jpg)