As the seasons change and nature takes its course, whether it be in our own or a public garden, we witness some foliage, unsightly weeds, flourishing alongside what is intended—beautiful, eye-catching flowers. How do we get rid of these unsightly weeds? Willpower and persistence is the key. When I designed and planted a lush garden at my Portland home later featured in a magazine called Flower Gardens, I was more determined than those pesky weeds.
I’ve come to describe what’s spreading, in America, as unsightly weeds.
What the United States needs is really not more citizens permanently existing for a better life—but rather, more determined gardeners. I know I count myself among those who fled the country I was born in. To be honest, I lost the energy to tend an overgrown garden that overtook a mind and spirit. Maybe my vision to see what could be cultivated was over-shadowed by the abundant amount of work and the patience needed. I don’t know, except, that once youthful gardener is no longer, and she gave up without regrets. She’s moved on to another plot of land, with less space for weeds and more for flowers in colorful, ceramic pots on a balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
I observe, there are still many avid gardeners in the U.S. fighting weeds, determined to make the country a beautiful and desirable place to spend their lives. These avid gardeners are steadfast voters, plowing through the unsightly weeds of redistricting and the Supreme Court adverse ruling on the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
As one who loved her hands in the soil (a skill I learned from my father and grandmother), creating a garden of flowers, herbs, and vegetables, I saw what hard effort could produce. I felt the same enthusiasm each time I voted. I was cultivating a community worth enjoying and being a part of (I continue, these last years, voting through absentee ballots).
A charming courtyard tucked into Cheryl’s former Portland garden.
With the United States’ political landscape overrun with weeds, there’s more and more determined gardeners taking to the fields to restore its beauty. And you what? This older gardener can still recall one of the most peaceful and historical American gardens; it was called The White House Rose Garden. How wonderful would it be to see that restored again.
A visionary doesn’t destroy beauty for their own selfish, short sighted, egotistical ideas.
Friend, your garden metaphor works its magic in my heart. I, too, want to cultivate an abundant garden here and at home in the US to offer the best of humanity -sharing and caring. Let us plant seeds of compassion all around us until we choke out the weeds of greed and hatred. So grateful to be walking this stretch of the journey together. Keep up the good work!
Dearest Eliza, my heart is touched by your words. Those days when I worked in my garden, I had so much peace of mind. I truly think America needs a little rosebud to make her smile.
Cheryl, how eloquently put! In a few words, you have said it all. Love to you, Zoë
I am thinking about the US and all I left behind. The memories such as my garden and what flowers mean can open one’s heart and mind.
Hi Cheryl! Cindy and I are living in Tullahoma, Tennessee and focusing on our garden. We have 2 fig trees, 7 blackberry bushes, 5 blueberry bushes, a pollinator patch, some veggies. We all are living during an incredibly important turning point for humanity – with AI data centers, 5G, etc. Our garden helps us focus on nature. Love to you and Tom!
Dearest Heather and Cindy, may the love you flourish in your garden spread like wild flowers, embracing your community with happiness and positive energy.
Amen! Let’s restore the Rose Garden, the East Wing and the South Lawn.
We need mor roses an flowers than nasty little hedges blocking our view with extremist ideas. I’m planting new seeds in my mind and heart!
Yes, a fetid wind blows across the insulted soil. I pray a tipping point will come sooner rather than later. “We will dream of Cherry Blossom time.”
Ah Michael, life is full of weeds these days. I think the best way to push through is to use your imagination and plow your field of dreams!
I have a vision that there will be a great renaissance as part of the backlash against 47.
Keeping hope is one thing that matters through voting!
The last sentence says it all!!! Not only the beauty of the rose garden, but even worse, the beauty of the East Wing torn asunder… UGH!!!
On a happier note, we enjoyed capturing your Portland garden with its abundance of flowers and a feeling of utter joy and freedom…
As an “older” gardener, with a larger plot of land to tend than is manageable, I still enjoy weeding, and honoring the beauty the former gardener who previously owned this Ashland, OR home created. The “design” that my husband Philip has imposed in certain areas where the former owner only had grass are now classically designed. Unfortunately, the darn former grass defies the black cloth and gravel that were meant to kill it… So, on my knees it is, tugging away at the darn grass that’s interrupting the new design… Hugs to you, Cheryl, dear!
I’ve often thought about THAT garden and the joys I had watching things planted resurface each year. I have a stack of pictures of the garden, I often look at. You and Philip are such creative souls, I have drawn inspiration from both of you. The world needs the “constant gardeners”, to take up the tools to protect, define, and rebuild what has gone to weed. Thank you for giving me a wonderful response to my thoughts about gardens. You and Philip’s photographs and wonderfully beautiful article have honestly told my story.