For Colleen, some of her most cherished memories trace back to her grandmother’s flower and vegetable garden. But the true magic was in gardening alongside her mom. As a child, it seemed silly all that work for something so fleeting. But over time, Colleen realized it wasn’t just about the flowers; it was about the quiet moments shared, hands in the soil and hearts connected. From picking dandelions as a little girl to designing her own garden as an adult, those experiences planted something lasting — a soulful bond between mother and daughter.

Bobby’s love for flowers also began with his grandmother’s garden a vibrant patch of zinnias in every shade imaginable. Even after Grandma Gatto passed, her garden continued to speak. Our niece gathered seeds from those flowers, dried them, and lovingly shared them with the whole family. Now, each of us tends a small piece of her legacy in our own homes — a living reminder of where we come from.

Our four Gatto kids have had their hands in the dirt since they could walk. Every Mother’s Day meant potting soil under their nails and petals in their palms. It’s taken time, but now, they see what we see: the joy in the work, the beauty in the process, and the love that grows right alongside the flowers.