We all know that weeding is a chore, right?
We also know that a weed for one person is a flower for someone else. Or, as often expressed, it’s any plant growing where it isn’t wanted.
Some people don’t like ajuga in the lawn. I do. |
Ralph Waldo Emerson said it better, describing a weed as “a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.” My favourite quotation about weeds, though, is Shakespeare’s contribution: “Great weeds do grow apace.”
And indeed, they do. Or, at least, this summer they have.
A very weedy flagpole stream with an intriguing spot of red. |
Generally, I’m not a neat and tidy person. I don’t have time to be, and most of the time don’t even want to be. I like genial chaos, as long as it’s not too chaotic. But the border above is beyond geniality, even keeping in mind that it is a transitional border, marking the beginning of the trail that leads from the tended garden to wilder areas.
Last week I decided enough was enough. After several weeks when I have been out of town or simply out of the garden, I took the time to weed. To cut off seed heads. To tidy up. And (horrible to acknowledge), I found that I enjoyed the job immensely.
One of many piles. This one is mostly lady’s mantle and nepeta. |
Lady’s mantle in the lower garden before the hair cut |
Much neater, and almost tidy |
lobelia cardinalis in the flagpole stream, so called because (wait for it) there is a stream with a flagpole nearby. |
Inula ‘Goliath’ seed heads in the flagpole stream border |
This plant needs a haircut. But I like the messy tangled look. |
And on the subject of examining things:
I’ve been writing this blog for just over six months now. I’ve written 38 posts covering a wide range of topics, and have been delighted by the warm and thoughtful responses I’ve received.
I enjoy writing the blog and it seems that you enjoy reading it. With your help I’d like to make it better.
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And many thanks for the feedback!
Just the other day, D was reminiscing about having to weed around the swimming pool with the other boys when they were growing up. He did NOT regard it as a joy, apparently. 🙂
I remember childhood weeding, too. It was punishment, straight and simple.