Saturday, June 12, 2010

Early Warning Signs

What makes a gardener and why do some people make a garden and others not? When I walk around my neighborhood I admire the diversity of gardens and how variously people use their outdoor spaces. The ones that are most curious are the yards where no one has planted anything. It’s hard to imagine how this could occur over a 40-year span, the age of most Brentwood/Crestview homes. But you do see the occasional house where there is nothing, no foundation plantings, no beds, not even a nandina.
I know I’m her mother, but isn’t this the cutest thing you’ve ever seen? A baby, a sunsuit, a pot of seasonal color. These appear to be portulaca, a plant I turn my back on these days, because of how its blooms shut down midday. Who needs a flower that doesn’t stay on duty? I just barely tolerate pavonia for that reason. Anyway, this little toddler who loved to water the pots has now begun her own garden and it’s gratifying to know that my mother’s legacy of gardening was passed down to both Rachel and Grace. I have both plants and pots that were my mother’s. I treasure my time as their caretakers and hope to pass them on in due time.

5 comments:

Grace said...

Awww this is one of my favorites! Rachel had so many interesting hobbies as a child--from gardening to fishing to horses!

Mean Rachel said...

Aww. It's somewhat shocking how much I look like Granny in this pic.

Clare said...

In the back yard at my parents' house, there is a patch of various plants I was gifted over a period of time & I really look forward to the time when I can plant some in my own yard. They are due to be separated this fall. When I was in high school & we visited my dad's parents in Nacogdoches, my grandpa & I had a Sunday ritual. Before we left for Austin, we would go around the yard & he would dig up a plant that I didn't have yet, pack it in double-layered plastic bags & dampen the soil for the drive back to Austin. Sometime that week (hopefully), it would go into my garden, which still thrives despite minimal maintenance!

ConsciousGardener said...

She's a cute bean Libby! It is surprising to see the empty yards, you gotta wonder.

Anonymous said...

Exceptional info. I've certainly learned something new this morning! Cheers.