Over a year ago, Joe and I separated. He was my business partner as well and we had often worked long hours in the hot sun or pouring rain together.
We met in 1990, just after I had gotten my horticulture degree and he a civil engineering degree. We were both working part time jobs at a garden center, and he caught my eye one day while he worked on the garden center's landscaping truck. I introduced myself to him and we started dating.
As time passed, our love for each other grew and a short time later we were married.
During January of 1996, I started my landscape design business "Designing Annie Horticulturists". My goal at the time was to design residential gardens and landscapes; then subcontract the work to local landscapers. Unfortunately, it was difficult finding a competent landscaper in my area and after numerous call backs I knew I needed to get directly involved with the installations myself. That is when Joe stepped in. He hated the stuffy office at his engineering firm anyway, and his education and experience were a great asset to my business. He became my partner.
Our first few years working together were wonderful and I will always cherish those memories. He taught me many things about wall construction and soils; I taught him about plants, diseases and pests. He showed me how to swing a sledge hammer, and how handling a tool the proper way enables one to work almost effortlessly for hours. He was and still is brilliant and exacting in his work. And he taught me discipline and detail.
But things were not all fun and games. We were at the mercy of the weather and often had to work in rain or snow, instense heat or cold. Customers are not always understanding of a landscaper's situation and after a time, Joe and I started arguing about jobs. Often we would have it out right there on the job site. Things became ugly, until finally neither of us could take it anymore.
Joe and I separated in July of 1999. Our divorce was final just this August 15th.
I live in Virginia now, working for a local landscaper and doing the work for him that I used to do for myself. Joe remains in Pennsylvania, and now owns the Designing Annie business. I'm sure he will be successful and I wish him well.
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