Garden Lessons for Post-Pandemic Life

Pulling weeds, I ponder my options as the pandemic wanes. Resume old habits? Keep the slower pace? Try something new?

When we changed house four-and-a-half years ago, my gardening know-how extended to digging dandelions. The abundant perennials left by the previous owner have been teaching me ever since. A recent sampling:

• More isn’t always better. Short of dandelions and garlic mustard, I once treasured anything that bloomed. Lovely as daisies and violets can be, over time I’ve seen such treats detract when they interrupt a solid swath of beebalm or gooseneck loosestrife—or writing time.
• Fill the gaps selectively. A bare patch of dirt or calendar space is an opportunity to add needed color for the off-season. Don’t just plug in the first donated plant, or invitation or committee assignment, before considering how it helps balance the garden overall.
• Allow for surprise and change. Poppies, roses, and rare visits from loved ones are welcome wherever they pop up. I would never have heard of honey garlic or leadplant if I uprooted everything unplanned. On the other hand, some flowers that once thrived here are no longer any more viable than the six-mile hikes I used to enjoy. Time to let them go.

What lessons do you find among the blossoms?