Future Tense

Truth be told, gardeners live perpetually in the future. Even as we go about the work demanding our attention in the present, there is always a requisite need to be looking ahead. From sowing and planting to staking, pruning, feeding, deadheading, and so forth, we’re in constant service of what must come to pass later.

I was reminded of this universal truth as I stepped out to ‘simply soak in’ the summer splendors of my garden. It all started off very nicely. The birds were loquacious and actively foraging in the meadow. Fully occupied in feeding their young ones and themselves good protein rich worms and bugs no doubt. Meanwhile, butterflies entertained with balletic performances as they flirted and flitted amidst the flowers. The steady thrum of all manner of insects had an almost hypnotic effect on me – this was exactly why one gardens! I’d achieved my goal of glorious goings on in the garden. How immensely satisfying.

That should’ve been the moment I ought to have stepped back into the house. Instead, I lingered on to stay fully present to it. No sooner had I duly congratulated myself for doing a half-way decent job, when I noticed how unruly some of the perennials were poised to look. It would only get worse. Out came the trusty secateurs and I was giving haircuts all around. A spot of tidying can make quite a difference. When a simple trim proved inadequate as in the case of the summer phlox that seemed inclined to flop about, some staking was in order. Much better. The front beds should be in good shape through the rest of summer.

But, as I began to turn away, from the corner of my right eye, I couldn’t help noticing some distinctly bald spaces. I then looked from the corner of my left eye. More bare areas! This was not right. Clearly, certain plants introduced last fall had not made it through. Unable to recall which ones they might be, I immediately began to fantasize new plants to get. In time for planting this fall for next years summer show.

My critical eyes having been opened, I picked up on other to-do items. For instance – Relocate the climbing rose ‘Strawberry Hills’ being overrun by the sweet autumn clematis. It will do much better by itself on the trellis against the south corner in the front of the house. And so it went. Future projects for the fall, winter, spring and even next summer.

To that point, this week, I shall be putting together the list and ordering my bulbs for fall planting with the spring show already envisioned by my mind’s eye. My Big, Beautiful Bulb Bonanza.

So much for being in the moment. My mind is way ahead. Always.

Drawing from the past, I’m planning for the future. An extravaganza of earthy delights –