A collection of containers on my potting bench ready to accept and deploy the garden’s extras.
NOT ALL OF US ARE BORN garden designers. I know I’m not. But I also don’t think we have to be (so cut yourself some slack) because something pretty great happens as we get more excited about gardening. When we take our chances with plants that grow—plants that place themselves into inspiring combinations, supply plenty of extras to play around with, and outlive their first season; when we participate fully and make the most of a living process that is never “done,” we learn the art by doing, naturally.
Even though I have become as hooked on that process as I am to breathing, I also firmly believe that it should be fun. Only then will the garden be wildly entertaining, physically exhilarating, exquisitely exhausting, and truly beautiful from one moment to the next. I also believe that your garden should fit your life. It should provide a meditative pastime, a creative outlet, and a demanding challenge that cultivates confidence along with roots, shoots, stems, leaves, and flowers. I can only hope you’ll agree and feel readier now than ever to dig in and let nature do its thing.
If so, look around your garden and your life and tally up. You’ll inevitably see a wealth of resources within reach. And now that you know how to take advantage of prolific plants, as well as your climate, the sunlit and dark corners of your house, the strength of your arms, and most of all your own imagination, I trust you’ll use that treasure trove to grow the garden of your dreams. And then pass it on.
