As gardeners, we appreciate beauty and know its importance
in a world which has and has had throughout history, much ugliness, including
war, pestilence, famine and oppression.
In the face of the latter,
Beauty, in all its manifestations
Restores balance, Inspires hope
Stimulates the mind and imagination, courage and creativity.
It connects us to peace and to that which is good and awe-inspiring.
In our giving, let us create a little bit of beauty
And give lift to another’s spirit.
As gardeners, we know the challenges of life,
as when we till uncooperative or less than ideal soil.
The coleche of desert areas comes to mind.
Yet we have seen beautiful bouganvillea, the practical mesquite and the fruitful palm
Grow out of its midst.
Let us give the gift of faith.
Who among us hasn’t planted a weak, scrappy or half-dead seedling or plant
Only to see to it take root and flourish?
Instead of doubting the benefit, let us give the benefit of the doubt.
As gardeners, we know that in some harsh climates, a tree will only grow
With the protection and cover of another, more mature, “nurse” tree.
Close to its side and under its canopy, the young tree thrives,
Extending upward toward the light and life.
Let us give the gift of companionship and compassion.
As gardeners, we might have planted our favorite non-indigenous plants from afar
Or even indigenous ones from as far away as a neighbor’s garden.
And by tenderly caring for them,
watched as those plants adapted to and enhanced their new homes – our gardens.
Many of us too, may have been such strangers in a strange land.
Let us remember to extend the gift of welcome and nurturing.
And lastly, as gardeners who have come together in common interest,
We share the gift of friendship – and here it abounds!
Let yourselves give and revel in the spirit of friendship and love,
And may these gifts be with you now and always. |
