Trish Winton was left devastated by the death of her son in a road accident in Thailand four years ago.
In fact, she has told tonight’s Beechgrove programme she struggled to contemplate how should go on without him.
Mrs Winton has, however, also spoken of how gardening helped her cope with the sudden demise of David Wyllie, who was just 36 when he died.
Mrs Winton, who lives in Montrose, said she’d chosen to appear on the popular television to reveal to others experiencing bereavement how the pastime could help them in their darkest hour.
She said: “I have had a very difficult journey, but by sharing it I hope I might help anyone who is experiencing the loss of a loved one discover the therapeutic benefits of gardening.”
Mrs Winton and her husband Andy started work on their garden project five years ago, clearing an area of large conifers to create a blank canvas.
She explained: “I didn’t really feel I could go on at the time of David’s death, but I began looking for a plant which shared David’s name and the search gave me a purpose.
“I discovered a hybrid tea rose, David’s Star, and I found it very satisfying to get that connection and plant something I could nurture and see grow.”
The couple have brought back items from their travels, such as coffee pots from Dubai and trinkets from Japan, to help them create a Thai garden that includes a commemorative plaque to David.
Mrs Winton added: “Having the rose David’s Star has been good but to be able to have quiet moments in the garden to contemplate has really helped me tremendously.
“Being in the garden has really lifted me, but you don’t need a large space.
“You can create a garden of any size – even on a balcony or in a window box – and make it your own special place.”
Beechgrove is on BBC Scotland at 8pm.