Why do you garden? Why don’t you garden? What is the difference between a gardener and a non-gardener?

Snatches of vivid memories of childhood often include gardens. Gazing at the acre of grandfather’s vegetable garden full of bushy, thick and jam-packed green bean vines, high tomato plants polka dotted with red balls, and tall corn stalks with their shiny silks blowing in the hot summer breeze are all fond memories. Thoughts of mother’s pretty petunias around a tree stump, her zesty zinnias standing tall, cutting holly berries together for Santa’s sleigh on the dining room table, and not so prime example of apple trees with gnarled branches and tiny, sour fruit, always bring a smile. Best of all climbing grandmothers cherry tree first thing during summer visit so she could bake this favorite pie.

Deadlines to meet, problems to solve, reports to write, dinner to cook, homework to do, bills to pay, dogs to walk, children to bathe, and bathrooms to clean, all become less sharp after a quiet stroll through a small garden. As the car rounds the curve to home and the driver sees the sweet flowers in the garden, the worries of the day are less, even for one brief moment. Digging, pounding, hauling and pulling make that troublesome boss go away for the time being.

Gardeners are delighted when something blooms, sprouts or produces something to eat. It is a miracle over and over again. Gardeners think plants are to have and to watch, not always to be neatly displayed as if on a magazine page. Plants bring birds, butterflies, bugs, varmints and interest to the little plot of land that a gardener calls home. Gardener’s ponder textures, colors and scents, not layouts, drains and designs much like a whole neighborhood has. Getting another plant is the ultimate quest. Getting those acquisitions to grow in the right place is the pinnacle of success.

This is your garden club. Make it what you want it to be. And whatever you do, come join us in all the fun. We would love to have you!

Lana Arnold
President, Tallahassee Garden Club
2011-2013