As a landscaper I get to meet and work with many wonderful people. This month’s front cover depicts empty potting containers which reminded me of one customer in particular. Every year she enlists us to help her prepare and set everything up. If you have ever had the privilege of being entertained in her home, her deck is absolutely stunning when the annuals are in full bloom. Although she would like to make you believe she doesn’t know what she’s doing and the beauty is just some miracle. I have come to the conclusion that it doesn’t happen by chance, being very intentional to get consistent results.
Here are a few things that I have observed.
Preparation: She gives thought about pot drainage and the correct ratio of soil to manure.
Protection: There are deer sprinklers and plastic shields which protects from both cold and heavy rain and hail to name a few.
Placement and environment: Decisions are made as to whether the pot is to be placed in the shade or full sun, and the size of pot for the flowers.
Nutrition: From the original soil to the ongoing nutrients, she feeds the plants on a regular basis.
Ongoing care: There are many hours spent dead heading old flowers, watering, and just general care of the plants. She even prays for them!
Our lives are like the pictured flowerpots. The question we should ask ourselves is what are we choosing to grow in them? Are we providing a good growing environment so that we aren’t delusional about the outcome of the growth? The above thoughts could be applied to the growth of our character, our business ventures, our relationships, or any new skills we are setting out to learn. We are often trying to grow small fragile plants in our life. Unfortunately, life is a rather harsh environment. Growing ourselves requires similar care and attention as my gardening friend and customer would tell you. As we approach our much anticipated and albeit short summer, may you experience good growth in both your life and physical garden.
As always, I trust you will enjoy this month’s High Country News. As these articles are written by various members of your community, I trust that you as a reader will be able find some way of thanking the writers for their commitment in writing a monthly article that benefits you. I also thank our advertisers for their ongoing commitment and investment into this unique paper. The High Country News has no outside funding or subsidy and strictly relies on the revenues generated by our advertising.
Take some time to honour your father (or father figure) this Father’s Day for his investment into the growth of your “life plant”.
From my family to yours,
Lowell Harder
