It seems like it is getting harder and harder to just slow down and enjoy the world around us. Everyone wants to argue with whatever it is that you might believe and turn it into a “political” issue that somehow feels threatening to them. Have we become so insecure in our own beliefs that we have to challenge and quiet anyone that thinks differently? As a garden writer, I sometimes find myself “putting my foot in it” unintentionally and striking a nerve on something as innocuous as the mowing height of a lawn or, God forbid, the ecological benefits or liabilities of a gas-powered lawn mower versus a battery powered one. There is of course no end to the topics we can choose to fight about and even fill ourselves with hate over, but at the end of the day, isn’t it a whole lot better (and healthier I might add) to try and fill ourselves with thanks and gratitude? As a gardener, here are a few things that make me “thank-full”…
Weather: All gardeners complain about the weather. Late or early frosts can really throw a monkey wrench in our gardening plans. Back in California we used to have “north winds” that, in the spring, would blow for 3 straight days and nights and desiccate all of the new growth on the roses. And here in the Northwest we do have, from time to time, “Arctic Blasts” that wreak havoc on broadleaf evergreens. But let’s face it, overall, our weather is not too shabby - although maybe a little short on the sunshine end and a little too wet and grey come springtime. This year we all should be thankful for the sporadic rains we had during the summer that helped established shrubs and trees survive what is becoming longer and hotter summers. Yes, gardeners will always complain about the weather, myself included. That will never change, but let’s just try to be a bit more thankful for all of the good days we receive.
The Horticulture Industry: I realize this might sound a bit self-serving, but really, regardless of where we purchase our gardening products, we should be thankful for this whole industry - from the farmers that grow the plants to the retailers who sell them to the public, along with all of the landscapers and grounds maintenance personnel who install and maintain beautiful parks and gardens for us to enjoy. None of this could happen without the dedicated people who have chosen horticulture as a career. Trust me when I say that it’s not the easiest way to make a living, but for me personally, I wouldn’t have it any other way. While society may value the lawyers, accountants, and doctors of the world, without horticultural professionals, life would be pretty bleak. The next time you visit the garden center, be sure to let them know how much they are appreciated.
Our very own “Horticultural Paradise”: I have written many times about the incredible diversity of plant choices that we can grow in our garden spaces. It never ceases to amaze me the variety and depth of plant varieties that garden centers have to offer us. At times it is almost overwhelming (emphasis on “almost”). Every time I see something new and different, I can’t wait to find a new spot in my garden to tuck it into.
In life we can choose to fill ourselves with distrust and acrimony, allowing us to feel threatened and fearful, or we can fill ourselves with gratitude and thankfulness for the beauty that surrounds us every day of our lives, right under our very noses in nature and in the gardens we create. On this Thanksgiving, it is my hope that you find yourself full of thanks.
