A Gardening Question

The strong gardeners need to stay focused on the task at hand, keeping watchful eyes on one another, rakes at the ready when one misses a weed. Weeds can start very small, but grow out of control at such a rate it frightens and intimidates us with its vigour and determination.The strong gardeners have identified most of the weeds in our garden, and now have begun the strenuous task of pulling them out; right from the root, so they won't come back! Think how strong we will be when we've pulled them all out and cut the deadwood from the paths. Imagine how beautiful and vibrant our garden will be, as year after year it grows stronger, fuller and more beautiful. It will be filled with love, respect and appreciation. For the beauty was always there, but the strong gardeners had to tend and care for it, so it could be seen and appreciated.Of course, in time, as the beauty becomes apparent, and the insects spot our beautiful garden, some will be new varieties, others... pests from the past, returning to irritate us again with their incessant buzzing. A few will be beneficial and add to the gardens beauty, unfortunately, the more common varieties will not be. But as long as the gardeners remain vigilant and focused on what is theirs, the weeds and insects will be kept at bay. Nothing harsh needed, just keep watch and take care of them one at a time.Some lazy gardeners will see our beautiful garden from outside stonewalls and ask how did you do that? There is no secret really. Just tend to it and care for it the most, with sincerity and attention. Try not to be distracted and wander off into the neighbours patch for too long or too often. It will have its own beauty, but it does not belong to you, and should only be admired with respect, for others tend to it.Be friendly and kind, but aware, for the lazy gardener will want in for a closer look. Some will say, "oh remember me, I was here before?" They are the ones I will not allow past the gate, for they vanish at the sight of the shears and wheelbarrow, when they saw the garden party season had come to an end, and there was much work to do. The strong gardener may even expect them to help support the heavy rose arbour or fence while he makes a repair. Hands might get dirty!The strong gardener tells the lazy gardeners keep on walking. To go on buying their cheap, cut flowers to drop in an expensive, showy vase, placed front and centre of course, to draw attention and praise.The cut flowers look so pretty and fresh...for a few days, maybe even a week. Then, without warning dark spots appear, a drooping petal lets go and falls, unheard and unnoticed to the polished floor below. The water begins to foul and sadly, the poor cut flower is no longer of any use.Fortunately, for the lazy gardener these common cut flowers are so cheap and easy to replace and they really take no care at all, so the lazy gardener feels nothing as he tosses them aside to rot in their own stinky remains. There is certainly no love, no feeling of accomplishment. The lazy gardener has invested nothing but a moment or two choosing the bouquet and a few dollars to buy them.And the cycle, like in a perennial garden repeats itself.So the question is: What kind of gardener are you?