Help Us Reimagine & Rebuild
Dear Friends,
On Saturday night, April 6, 2024, severe winds forced our 2 beloved mature spruce trees down, this after our dear old cedar was toppled by heavy snow just 3 weeks prior. Our Colorado home, where we live and work, was struck by the tallest tree and the roof is punctured by branches. The other spruce collapsed atop the rest of our backyard trees which are now severely compromised. As these majestic trees had grown together as a pair, they’ve left a gaping hole and pushed our fence high up in the air. While we were both standing in the room that was literally brushed by the tallest tree, we were unscathed. But, an approximately 80 year old nature refuge, perennial garden and a habitat for many bird and critter friends has been destroyed. These mighty beings have watched over us for 25 years, and this was a favorite spot for artistic inspiration and a reprieve from our busy street and the hot sun. Our hearts are broken and emotions are raw as it's truly devastating, but this too shall pass. While we must continue to keep the gears of Johanna Parker Design moving, we do have a lot to clean up and contemplate. Any Donation to Help JPD with our cleanup and rebuild efforts are welcome. THANK YOU for taking the time to think of us, share support and be with us in spirit.
Sincerely,
Johanna & JP
Image Gallery Now & Then, 2005 Country Gardens Article & a Note from Johanna to follow…
STORM 2 | FALLEN SPRUCE TREES from Severe Wind | April 2024
STORM 1 | FALLEN CEDAR TREE from Heavy Snow | March 2024
~ Our Garden Memories in Print ~
In 2005, we entered the Readers’ Best Better Homes and Gardens Country Gardens Magazine Contest, and won “Best Garden Accents”
As our garden-inspired folk art was featured as well, this public acknowledgement was quite a boost to our morale as young creatives starting our own business from our small cottage home.
It took about 6 years for us to transform this barren patch of soil to a thriving oasis. Enjoy the article below…
MUSINGS from our LOST GARDEN
MORE PHOTOS TO COME…
More from Johanna…
Our back garden had been my muse... The towering trees with their dappled light and a surround of colorful blooms brought many birds, bugs and furry critters to this magical space which captured my imagination and inspired so many of the sweet faces of our signature characters that collectors have come to adore. As such, I have been working through deep grief for the loss of our tree family and the many plants that we nurtured over the years...
We are now left with a blank slate, and while being uprooted feels rather daunting, there is a novel excitement in it too. As always, it is important to allow for new ideas to flourish without knowing exactly what the final outcome will be. What I do know is that I would like to create a new outdoor experience to serve as an artful retreat for future inspiration. Let’s call it a fresh canvas where I can dream up new designs for you...
From the beginning, my mission has always been to generate smiles through my art. I am grateful that you have read this far, and I would like to thank you for being a driving force as your interest and requests for new products and collectible characters leads me to create more designs and seek new outlets to do so.
In order to open portals to new concepts, a bond with nature is a crucial element in my ability to create for you.
Do keep sending your uplifting support in any way! Your positive thoughts and well wishes, help me greatly in this new chapter.
Thank you for cheering me up during this difficult time. I look forward to what creative ideas and new paths come forth…
May my Art fill your Heart!
~ Johanna
