growing an old friend

'let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." ~marcel proust

between old friends

artist note:  It was the early spring and summer months, my initial flower gardens would receive most of my time, energy and attention. I spent countless hours shopping for specific colored blooms. Determined to have the perfect and most beautiful flower garden, I spend a great deal of time arranging and re-arranging the flowers before actually placing them in the bed.

As season came to a close, my interest waned. I watered less, the foliage drooped and the weeds found a place to call home.

angle of painting 'between old friends'

After a few years, I noticed I would get such joy in the return of a prior year blossom or with the bloom of an unexpected color of a particular species. I transformed my beds from a collection of annuals, to an orchestrated assembly of beautiful, resilient perennials. I so loved and appreciated their dedication to returning.

To keep these beauties healthy and returning, I realized I had to continue to give my attention to the needs of these flowers thru out the entire season. Deadheading provided more blooms. Dividing the roots gave space for the flowers to grow bigger and better year after year. I would feed them and water according to their specific needs.I would spread a layer of mulch after the soil froze to prevent winter damage.

This lesson can also be applied to our relationships. To truly enjoy and appreciate those you love, one must not only be attentive, but be patient and nurturing in equal measure.

"It takes a long time to grow an old friend." ~ John Leonard

I'd also like to add these words from Jenny Uglow, "We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it's our garden that is really nurturing us."