APOLOGIES SEEM to be a gardener's lot in life. We perceive a vision for our terrestrial spaces and then spend much of our time doubting our direction. Questions flow in a steady mental stream: are things planted too close? Is it random enough? Is there enough chartreuse? The visual familiarity of our space leaves us seeing what others don't, and we fret over these details. They are the only things we see. So when a visitor arrives and comments on our wonderful accomplishments, we spend much of the conversation apologizing. Often in an imploring tone, we explain our directives: "Oh... wait till the hydrangea blooms next month" or "When the clematis covers the rose...", etc. After all, our minds are thinking in the future; how else would one ever become a gardener? So we plan and scheme, all of this to build our perfect garden, which of course will never be perfect. Secretly some of us are really seeking that reassurance; a visitor might help us determine whether our direction is right, a stroke for our sensitive ego and we will continue with "Our Vision". Yes, gardeners can be an odd bunch.

So, after spending a lifetime of gardening, I'm trying to break myself of this pitiful little handicap, this snivelly, whimpering doubt. I recently read of two extraordinary gardeners that allow themselves one day of walking through their (very large) garden and only making positive comments. It's a Sabbath day, not a work day and attention must be paid to the good things in the garden. Now I know that the stream of mental notes of things to do probably continues, but on that day they see only the things of beauty. This would be a great exercise for all of us.

On a more personal note I have also noticed that with age comes sappiness. I have found that I now admire flowers from above, and then below, and finally from behind. Newly emerging plants have become quite delightful, more so it seems. I imagine that the touchy-feely thing I do with plants annoys some people. Now this emotional maturity can be a handicap as well because it does two things: it doesn't help you plan a garden very well, at least not a personal one (because you like everything). It also makes you want more gardens, one over there for tropicals, one over here for orange and blue and of course a water garden with a fountain. So the gardener gets all scatterbrained and can't take care of it all; sound familiar?

A few of us are saved by space limitations. Who would have thought that cramped quarters could be a good thing? Then I suppose everything might be perfect, frustratingly perfect! But I did spend some time today trying out my new response for visitors. It goes like this: "Yes, the daffodils are perfect today". Hah! Now it must be said with a clear, authoritative voice, no clenched teeth. The tongue between the teeth: "the daffodils are perfect today". You can conjure up your own response, but by all means, feel free to borrow mine.

Our spring catalogs are ready and our theme this year is plant partnerships. It's a great resource and another one that is worth keeping for seasonal plant pairings. They are $3.00 when picked up at the nursery, $4.00 when mailed to you directly. A much condensed version is accessible on this website as a pdf file. We are open from 9 to 6, seven days a week; feel free to give us a call with plant inquiries or spring questions (703) 327-4211.

40413 John Mosby Highway
Aldie, Virginia 20105
703-327-4211