FOLEY — In the face of adversity brought on by two car accidents and back surgeries, Diane Clark has discovered solace and contentment through her passion for gardening.

Born and raised on a Michigan apple farm, Clark, the eldest of three daughters, reminisced, “My dad and us three girls farmed our apple farm, and we also had some cherries, prunes and some peaches.”

Following her job at GT, now known as Verizon, and Yellow Pages, Clark retired in 2003 at the age of 50.

“The first thing I did was take the master gardening classes in Ohio after my husband got transferred there,” she said.

Citing themselves as snowbirds, Clark and her husband frequently visited Gulf Shores.

“We came to Gulf Shores and rented a beach out and used to come down and enjoy vacations with our in laws,” the master gardener said.

Following her initial car accident, the couple decided to permanently relocate to Gulf Shores to eliminate the back-and-forth travel.

“The car accident caused two lower back surgeries, but I am too ornery to give up," she said.

Before the sun shines over the coast, the gardener rises to tend to her plants, using a rolling walker for support.

“I am not to carry anything more than a gallon of milk, weight wise,” Clark noted.

A constant companion and cherished dog accompanies her during watering and planting sessions.

While Clark's affection for all flora is evident, succulents hold a special place in her heart.

“I call succulents the plants that love to be ignored,” she said.

The gardener noted that a lot of people have told her they cannot keep these plants alive. To help those without her green thumb, she has participated in the Gulf Shores Gardening Club over the span of 12 years.

“I have always enjoyed being a part of garden clubs because you do a lot of volunteer work for the community,” she said.

The master gardener added that you learn a lot about the rights and wrongs in gardening.

“Just because you can grow a tomato in northwest Ohio does not mean you can grow tomatoes down here," she said.

Describing herself as determined, Clark finds motivation in cultivating ingredients for delectable dishes.

“I love seeing the satisfaction in seeing things grow that I can make flavorful dishes in the kitchen,” she said, adding that multiple children around her neighborhood serve a great help to her. “My husband is a big TV watcher, and I don’t need all that commotion and noise. I would rather be out in the quit and listen to the birds while I plant.”

Embracing an outdoor lifestyle, Clark decided to transform her porch into her personal retreat.

“I wanted a deck because our deck slopes downward and I was not as stable as I was now, so I was afraid of falling,” she said.

Clark envisioned a pergola that would allow her to hang baskets.

“The deck is 24 feet long, and then I had the guy put three end tables, two on the end and one in the middle,” said the master gardener.

She had her deck designed so that none of the plants blow over during windy weather.

Despite physical hurdles and predictions of immobility post-surgery, Clark's determination triumphed.

“Twice I have been told I am just short of a miracle,” Clark said.

Beyond her home garden, she travels to the local YMCA five to six times a week to maintain an active routine.

“I am a very driven person, and I am not ready to be a couch potato,” she said.
Clark aspires to inspire those grappling with uncertainty or obstacles, stating, “Where there's a will, there’s a way.”