From the distaff side

I’ve been asked to write something for this blog, and I have to say that it’s been a long time since I’ve done any creative writing. Memos? Sure, all the time; love my email. But not so much writing on a topic, particularly an assigned one.

Especially gardening. In spite of its major role in our household, gardening is pretty mysterious to me. Some people were over the other day, and I gave them a tour of the garden, doing it solo since Xan wasn’t home. The tour consisted of me walking them through and pointing out the obvious (here’s broccoli!), the well marked (I think this is basil—oh yeah, there’s the sign), and the rest of the time waving my hand in a general direction (those are flowers over there). I am not the one with the green thumb.

I’m okay with helping out, though. I’ve been known to wrestle the ten-pound cobblestone into yet another new walkway configuration, or help set up fencing to keep out the rabbits. I can be trusted to do some watering, and though it fills me with anxiety, I can pick vegetables without tearing off the wrong parts of the plant. I’m also primary keeper of the fish pond, though I’m not sure this should really be considered helping out in the garden. It’s more of a way to get me out of my office and into the fresh air…yet not be underfoot among the greenery.

As peripheral as I am to the gardening, I find it pretty interesting to hang out with someone who is so very into it. Of course it’s a constant pleasure to look out on what Xan has created, and always fun to talk about the things that need to be done, that should be done, and the fun stuff that could be done. In fact it’s a little bit like raising children (including, I’m afraid, the budget). I also like the way our garden is connected to the larger world and how it makes you think about where our food comes from. More people should be gardening!

Or at least hanging out with the lady who does.

–Wei C.