Mowing Nature’s Graffitti
A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows.
~Doug Larson
Weeds are nature’s graffiti.
~Janice Maeditere
Criticizing another’s garden doesn’t keep the weeds out of your own.
~Author Unknown
Standing in my garden, surrounded on all sides by weeds up to my thighs, I feel a sense of impossibility. I can’t even see the dirt, how will this land ever produce more than prickly non-sence?
And somehow, I’m reminded of every obstacle in life; every moment that feels as if it will never end and every bridge that feels as if it cannot be crossed. My mind floods with dreams and the impossibility is shoved aside.
I don’t mind weeding. I actually LIKE weeding. I like the feeling of dirt under my nails. I like the catharsis that comes in that last moment when the root pops out of the ground. I like feeling like I’m wining some battle (even if it is just for today). But, I realize, this is not a job for me and my hands. If I put on my gloves and start pulling these weeds- I will never win. So, I call Gabriel.
Gabriel says he’ll weed the garden for $50 and for $10 more he’ll throw in a flower bed. Sold.
Gabriel came this morning and I happened to be gone while he was here. He worked fast and, two hours later, when I returned he was already done. On inspecting my garden, I realized I made two mistakes:
1.I was gone when the work was done
2.I was unclear with what “weeding” meant to me
The weeds were gone. But, not pulled. Gabriel had mowed them down. While this is helpful, it doesn’t get me to a garden with workable soil.
It DOES however get me access to the fence. Which is great, because all of the kids in the neighborhood will be here tonight to paint it!
I’ll have to deal with the weed issue later- maybe I’ll till the soil?
current garden costs:
Weed mowing $60
Short Term Goals:
Paint the fence
Till Dirt
Continue research on best seeds planting times