Envy, we are told, is not an emotion that reflects well on us. I am not sure why the color green is associated with envy, but green makes up a large part of what elicits envy in me – other peoples’ gardens! Driving through the neighborhood, my eyes are constantly roving over the varied landscapes. For instance, driving past one house the other day, I was dazzled by the masses of cheerful orange cosmos swaying gently in front of it. Hollyhocks and foxglove caught my eye as they tossed their pretty blossoms above the fence of another house. At yet another, as I was driving to work, I could hardly take my eyes from the giant spruce with its perfect symmetry and with its lower branches softly caressing the ground below it. Bright maroon hibiscus with burgundy foliage tilted their large saucer faces towards the road as I passed by. Masses of orange trumpet vine sprawled over the fence next to the dentist’s office. Showy clematis clung to the walls of other houses and delightful zinnias grew proudly in front of some. Walking through neighborhoods, rather than driving, reveals still more flowers lurking in unsuspecting places.
I have grown all of these flowers and several trees and shrubs myself, at one time or another. Sadly, I have had to leave behind far too many gardens that I had nurtured into being. This year I have had a prolific garden that has gifted me with more zucchini, cucumbers, green beans, and tomatoes than I know what to do with. I grew numerous herbs as well, and I started them all from seed. I did not have enough time, nor space; however, for the many, many flowers that I wanted to grow. To be perfectly honest, I doubt that I could ever grow all of the flowers I want, even if I spent eight hours a day for the entire rest of my life doing so. I could never, ever, have too many flowers. So I hope you understand that when I sometimes turn green with envy at the sight of another gardener’s garden, it is really just appreciation. Of course, I could appreciate them more if they were in my own garden!
