Weeds and World Problems in the May Garden
Sunday, May 27, 2018 at 5:30PM An established moss path is low maintenance, but it does need to be kept free of leaves and debris, and it needs to weeded once in a while. Weeding my moss paths in the woodland garden is a mindless, repetitive chore, and I enjoy doing it.
An overview of the May woodland garden
I use a thick old canoe cushion to protect my knees while kneeling, and I take my time. I like to do this after a rain because weeds come up more easily. I use several types of weeding tools, depending on the weed. One of my favorites is a fishtail weeder that is perfect for popping small weeds out of the paths and for getting up the tap roots of plants like dandelions.
The main moss path in the woodland garden
When I am weeding I let my mind drift. I listen to the birds. I make a mental list of other needed chores and plan future projects for the garden. I think about people I know, and in general I mentally solve the problems of the world as one weed after another succumbs to my efforts. If only world problems could be so easily eliminated. World problems do, after all, have some resemblance to weeds.
A favorite view of the little bridge in the woodland garden
Summer arrived this month, and the air is thick and warm and laden with moisture. The woodland garden is a deep green retreat from the hot glare of the sun. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to enjoy sun rays that filter through the canopy. We have had plenty of rain this past week, and often the light sparks off leaves still wet with raindrops. I can almost imagine myself walking in a primordial paradise, except for the weeds, which quickly bring me back to reality.
More views around the garden this month:
Here is a view across the front lawn.The woodland garden is in the small valley on the far side of the drive.
Views of the front garden
A view across the lower front lawn near the entrance to our propertyA tropical storm is headed our way in the next day or so. Lots of rain, and more weeds coming!
Happy gardening to you; and, while we can't solve all the world's problems, may we each do whatever we can in our little corner of the world to make the world a better place. Deb
Reader Comments (14)
Would that you could solve the world's problems as you pulled your weeds, Deb! Although new weeds - and world problems - inevitably pop up, there are those moments of quiet beauty and peace when all seems just right, even if only temporarily. Your garden photos perfectly show that. I hope you enjoy a wonderful Memorial Day holiday!
Perhaps we can’t solve the problems of the world by gardening, but I know I’m often able to solve problems of my own this way. Like they say, you can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt.
I am trying to get a moss path going in my garden. The moss is always there but this ;year of all years when I try to encourage it we are droughty. May has had less than an inch of rain. Lordy what will the garden do when it gets to the normal droughty time? Your garden looks splendid, lush and inviting with the groomed trails.
Your garden looks so green and serene. I am certain the world would be more peaceful if more people would take some time off to weed moss paths in a beautiful garden and ponder.
Snap! As you said, we both had the same idea. I too let my mind wander while weeding, its amazing what I can sort out while pulling up the weeds. Your garden is looking beautifully green and lush, hope you don't get too much heat too soon.
Simply glorious.
What a beautiful green garden you have. Lots of love went into that planning and maintaining.
Thank you for showing your garden.
I remember seeing squads of gardeners weeding moss plantings in Japan. Moss looks so natural and carefree, but like most things it takes work. Your garden looks positively verdant. Hope the storm doesn't do any damage.
Great sentiments. I do exactly the same when I am weeding and there are more weeds this year after the heavy spring rain. As usual your woodland is an inspiring place to look at and I love that you use moss for your paths.
Ah Debs, someone else who enjoys weeding, I thought I was alone. Carry on the good work I will think of you when I am weeding and together we can make the world a better place. I will have a woodland like yours one day, I better get a move on.
You know, I kind of enjoy weeding too ... as long as I feel I'm making progress toward a state that will requires less weeding ;-)
This year I've spent many hours (while weeding) pondering whether I really need to be pulling all these weeds.
Take something low-growing and (I believe) native like oxalis. Yes, it sprouts everywhere. But I don't think it's a threat to most of the big and burly perennials I grow, not to mention shrubs and trees. Why should I battle it endlessly and fruitlessly?
Maybe sometimes 'solving' a world problem is the same way - reformulating it so that it isn't so much of a problem after all?
I enjoy mindful weeding. Harvesting volunteers of chosen plants that are happy here, or survivors from before there was a garden.
Beautiful words Deb....and that is quite a lot of weeding....I am overwhelmed by weeds here but I go slow these days and just take it one day at a time.
Good for you! Everything is stunningly beautiful in your garden. I don't weed my woods (except to pull out non-native invasives), so I guess technically that part of the property isn't a garden but a wild space. I love moss, though, and it likes the woods and especially the woodland edge here. :)