The weary garden(er?)

Sometimes the garden just looks weary. Or maybe I am projecting my own feelings. But I can relate to this trio of Basil plants that has spent the season putting forth their best, and now lower their leaves and sigh. The intense sunshine, at first an experience to rejoice in and face with exultation, now saps their strength and yellows their countenance. Too much for too long, I suppose.

It's coming on time to tidy up for Fall--to layer with compost then mulch til I drop. There are also Fall plants to start, wild bushes to tame. My own leaves are drooping just thinking about it. But I know, once I get out there, it will be a delight, and the effort so worth it. 

​So many times we arrange the garden then disappear inside. Or we walk the paths and examine the plants, only to create a list of things to do.   There is very little time or effort to pause and appreciate the beauty we've created, to recognize our pale imitation of the Creator in the work of our hands--the urge to create. To beautify. 

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I have a new addition to the garden designed to rectify this situation. A place to land, a place to see the garden from the inside-out. So that after I have done my morning "walkabout" and created the to-do list, I have a place to rest, meditate, pray, or just be.

​I hope to use it.

​Ironically, I think this will take just as much self-discipline as does garden upkeep.​