06/18/2026
June 17th
Garden Corner
By April Welch
This Fatherâs Day, we honor the men who grow with usâfathers, mentors, stepdads, grandfathers, and those who show up not by chance, but by choice. I believe the best gardensâand the best relationshipsâare nurtured with love, patience, and presence. We celebrate not just fathers by blood, but father figures by choiceâthose who nurture, teach, and grow alongside us. Like gardening, fatherhood is built on quiet consistencyâshowing up, tending to the unseen, and believing that care will eventually yield something beautiful. The first Fatherâs Day began with a daughterâs desire to honor the man who showed up for her. That same spirit lives on in every dad who gets up early to pack a lunch, check on a child, or cultivate their confidence. Both gardening and fatherhood teach us that growth takes time, there will be weeds, weather, and waiting, but with patience and presence, something extraordinary always takes root. This Fatherâs Day, we honor all the men who have planted confidence, hope, and love in othersâknowing that what we grow together becomes part of who we are. Some are stepdads. Some are mentors. Some are neighbors, grandpas, coaches, or friends. What do they have in common? They show up. Quietly. Consistently. Day after day. And in showing up, they help something beautiful grow. I am blessed. I had an amazing dad who was steady, loving, and wise. At 89, before his passing, he still laughed, still listened, and still showed up for me in ways big and small, and most of all, he pointed me to the Heavenly Father. And Iâm doubly blessed to witness another kind of fatherhood up close. My husband Brian is a great dad to our kids. He loves fully, listens deeply, and knows how to laugh and have fun. Seeing his patience, joy, and devotion is a daily reminder that fatherhood isnât easy; itâs about being there, planting yourself beside someone, and helping them grow. All dads are special, but thereâs a sacred space in the heart of the world for the dads of children with special needs. These fathers show up with strength thatâs quiet, love thatâs fierce, and patience that runs deep. They learn new languages of therapy, advocacy, and resilience. They celebrate milestones others might miss and nurture not just their children but entire systems of care and hope. They are gardeners of another kind, planting seeds of courage and harvesting joy in quiet moments, showing us what unconditional love truly looks like. The greatest gift isnât something you wrapâitâs something you give. And sometimes the best memories are made in the gardenâhands in the soil, hearts fully in the moment. Whether youâre remembering a father, thanking a mentor, or celebrating the man who chose to be there, planting a garden is a beautiful way to say thank you, because what we grow together becomes part of us. Not every hero wears a title; some always have dirt under their nails and pruners nearby. This Fatherâs Day, letâs thank the ones who helped us growâwith love, intention, and a garden of gratitude. Until next time, happy gardening, friends!
