As summer’s yard work draws to a close, I offer the following garden-related “notes-to-self” that have been scribbled in my journal during the season.

fatsia berries

PLANT CARE

• Consider and then use the best available tool for any given task.
• Don’t cut corners in any task, large or small.
• Learn about the form of root systems of undesirable plants, the better to eliminate them.
• When pruning, eliminate dead, weak, and crossing shoots/branches. Be mindful that any cut made will determine the leading edge of new growth. Try to visualize the direction the new growth will take. Cut to encourage growth into outward-inclined free space.
• No two plants can thrive in the same exact location. Choose one. Carefully extract the other. (See item #4, above.)
• Mulch, and mulch again.

magnolia, with hardy geranium ground cover

REFINING THE DESIGN

• Think big, pay attention to tiny details. Be on the lookout for surprises.
• Allow room for growth.
• Build into the design some tolerance for chaos. Selectively groom to let in happenstance.
• Cut losses with too-far-gone plants or schemes.

giant fern, unfurling

MINDFULNESS

• Note the cycle of patience punctuated by decisive action.
• Observe with focus.
• Stand back regularly, and take the long view.
• Pace self.
• Slow down. Patience is a goal.
• Stop and smell all of it.

tulip

All photos by Laura Kraft.

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