More photos from Connie and Steve Willis' garden in Fallston

FALLSTON — For 21 years, Connie Willis and her daughter, Erin, were inseparable. Erin had cerebral palsy and Connie kept her close.
“We went everywhere together,” Connie said. “I never left her with anyone. I miss her a lot.” When Erin died on May 17, 2005, the neighbors wanted a way to honor Erin’s memory and help Connie and her husband, Steve, deal with the loss of their daughter. The idea was a memory garden, and Evelyn Horldt, who lives across the street, collected the money.
“We wanted to do something that they could look back on,” Horldt said. “We collected $320 and gave it to them and let them purchase what they wanted. I can enjoy it by being across the street. They keep it lit at night. It’s a constant reminder that Erin’s spirit is still here.”
Here are more photos from the garden made by Star photographer Jeff Melton: