Paradise in my garden
Surely there is a reason why the terms "Garden of Eden" and "Paradise" inspire us to envision a beautiful place of perfection of form, colour and fragrance, a wonderful place in which to find oneself. Who would not want to visit the Garden of Edens, picture-perfect arboretums and flower gardens in the public domain - sans serpent, of course, although I've nothing personally against snakes. (On the other hand, humankind in general, particularly those of the female gender are well known to mistrust snakes, be they the slithering-under-rock variety or the untrustworthy female-slayer.) Could be the snake got a bad rap. I do recall, once, when we were living in Georgia, trying to clear away a large pile of leaves, and digging my arms up to the shoulders into the leaves, desperately trying to bag them. Wasn't I just a tad startled when I realized that a long black snake was part of the leafy parcel I was hoisting? Well, that's another story altogether.And Paradise, unearthly splendour promised to those who believe that beyond our mortal remains we may reach a place where all our wishes can be granted - in a garden of unsurpassed beauty. Heaven? Could that be heaven, mayhap? Well, why not, all things considered.
People who love gardens - and they are legion - whether or not they personally believe in the quaint (and oh, so satisfying) practise of digging into moist, fragrant spring soil, find tranquility and beauty there. Those who simply want to enjoy the fruits of others' labours, whether it be a public garden, or walking past a private garden fronting someone's home, surrender themselves no less to the aesthetic of the senses, than those who garden. They may actually be a lot smarter, since they admire, enjoy and derive pleasure from observing a palette that someone else has taken great pains to create, with the help of nature.
Those people who push nature around by arranging landscapes which suit them and busy themselves with the dog-work of soil amendment, planting perennials, nursing them along to maturity, dividing them, opening additional gardens, amending soil, planting more perennials, sowing seeds and coddling them to perfection derive an additional pleasure from the tasks they set themselves; great satisfaction in the art of creation. Nature's canvass given a bit of help. I fall into this category. And wonder how smart I am, despite the satisfaction, the joy of creation, since so often one forgets to sit back and just enjoy, admire one's handiwork. Oh, with the help of nature.
Regardless of which - it's worth every bit of effort. Every time I see another bloom reach ripe perfection, wonder at the colour, the form and texture I know I've found heaven.
posted by Pieface @ Monday, May 09, 2005
<< Home