Comments on: Elsa Bakalar, Gardener and Friend

By: Jean Smolens

Jean Smolens — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 13:38:07 +0000

Here I am deeply saddened upon learning of Elsa’s death – over a year ago. She has spent a great deal of time with me mentally during the 25 years since I heard her wonder-filled voice at a seminar at Arnold Arb. with the Mass Hort. Soc. For a few years I was able to attend many other talks, be with her while “learning in the garden”, her favorite way she always said for teaching. She was my thoughtful and giving mentor as I began my journey as a gardener in Worcester, MA designing/installing gardens for others. Elsa excelled in urging one on, assuming that her passion was yours – and thereby it was ! For awhile we corresponded when I left MA, and had been given enough confidence to do some elderhostel teaching on rejuvenating the garden. Thinking and talking about her I find my sadness is overcome by my feeling of being blessed to have been so richly touched by her beautiful life. And to be a part of the community of you all in loving her. Thank you, everybody, for speaking.

By: Almeria apartment

Almeria apartment — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:38:50 +0000

A great and touching tribute to someone who was so well loved. Thank you.

By: Pat

Pat — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:33:33 +0000

Tammy – Elsa did find joy in her garden, a joy that she was able to share, and leave in other people’s gardens wherever she visited.

By: Tammy Taylor

Tammy Taylor — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:05:55 +0000

Elsa was so inspiring. I saw her at a master gardener conference in Dayton Ohio. She was the best, most entertaining speaker I’ve heard! I learned from her that no matter what gardening I did…it needed to bring me joy! …and it has!

By: Pat

Pat — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:31:23 +0000

Steph – She was an amazing lady. She had such wit and gaity that it is hard to think that there were many difficulties in her life, especially in her childhood.

By: Steph

Steph — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:02:17 +0000

I found a well-used copy of “A Garden of One’s Own,” a few years ago at my library and was inspired anew with her writing. As I was reading, I felt like I got to know the author, and felt that those that actually got to know her or attend her lectures were truly lucky.

Thank you so much for sharing a little more of her life.

By: Carol

Carol — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:26:33 +0000

A lovely and amazing woman… I was excited when first seeing her name and picture here but then saddened to read your obituary. We all have regrets in life … opportunities past up… I so wished I had gotten to know Elsa … wish I had studied with her. Her gardens were beautiful and her lectures always delightful … even the one where my assistant asked about bishop’s weed (which is rampant in my gardens) and Elsa said she would abandon a site where it reigned. After the shock I began planting more shrubberies! Sounds like she had a very full life… incredible really. I am truly sorry for your loss Pat. Carol

By: Rose

Rose — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:58:58 +0000

She sounds like a remarkable woman. Your obituary is a wonderful tribute to her and shows how much she meant to you. You must have had some wonderful conversations with her!

By: Pat

Pat — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:14:23 +0000

Elsa was a remarkable woman with many beginnings in her life dating back to her early childhood. She was not only successful and appreciated in all her professional endeavors, she had a great love in her life. Mike died in 2000 but as her memory failed she often explained to visitors that Mike couldn’t be there because he was down at the office writing. We were fortunate to share so many years with her.

By: Tinky

Tinky — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 01:16:29 +0000

I only talked with her once, to interview her when her book came out, but she was HIGHLY memorable; I got a sense of what has obviously charmed, delighted, and informed you in her all these years………. I’m thinking of you!