Having just spent a reluctant, necessary, half an hour in the front garden, attempting to reduce the invasion of "foreigners" into my sad wreck of a garden, I now realise how futile such mini sorties are.
For years the garden tiny, but rich with many (too many) plants of many species has been my main spare-time activity. Since my husband's death there has been first no time, and now sadly, little interest in keeping things looking good. This has extended into many areas of my life. Now that there is no-one to care how it/I look, does it matter?
Today the all-too-rare sunshine, forced me to look at what needed to be done to even begin to restore some sort of order to the jungle.
All the carefully chosen, planted, fed, weeded shrubs, roses and bulbs are so neglected they would have made the former 'me' weep. Not so now., though digging out a beast of a bramble from my choking Osmanthus I thought I heard a tiny sigh of relief. I will of course, push myself from here on until things are looking better but it seems a joyless pastime at present. Maybe just me!
It struck me how similar good gardening is to good religion. First the seeds are sown, then the plants are fed and watered and finally a flourishing plant/faith emerges. However, the weeds are always lying in wait hoping to take over.
I suppose it just would not do to allow them to win?
No, it's not just you, Ray. In past times we used to visit NT gardens, never missed a Garden Centre and, in fact, visited Chelsea Flower Show only two days before Mr. Doorkeeper shuffled off his secateurs. Now I am reduced to getting in a pair of available grandsons each year and bribing - no, paying - them to hack it all back. I don't know whether it's the lack of third-party appreciation or the lack of discussion but it just ain't as much fun as it used to be.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that. I'm on a bit of a downward spiral at present and however selfish it may sound, it's good to know my current lack-lustre attitude is not unique.
ReplyDeleteHad intended to do a bit more desultory hacking today but it's raining!
If you have a grandson to spare, push him this way will you, he can name his price.
Ray, God smiles to see a beautiful garden (though sadly mine is dreadfully neglected too!!). He smiles to see you fit and strong. He cares how you look. He is a friend who is always with you.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine the grief of losing a spouse, but don't get into a downward spiral.
It's great that you're active in the blogging world. That will help.
Can you volunteer at church? Must, must prevent the downward spiral settling.
Love from Anita, who is familiar with downward spirals.
Thanks for the comment and the concern Anita. The 'black dog' days always eventually disperse and I do volunteer at St.M's (see some of my older posts), but there is a certain negativity in my nature which errects barriers against even the best of advice.
ReplyDeleteBoth the garden and I will eventually recover.