"GROW" insisted the graphic typeset, bold as little Disco, the Boston Terrier. The dog is rumored to be training for NASA because of the capability of the dog to instantly lift-off 4 feet straight-up in the air. Or with those sunglasses- maybe a part in Hollywood.Echoes of Victory is the subtitle below the poster-style image. Taking up all but the right hand column on page 1 of today's Home section and then continuing at length, I was really excited. Until the quote used in the third paragraph.".... It's much more a political question than a gardening question,"
That slant, dear garden editors and writers everywhere, maybe why readers and gardeners have stepped away from newspapers for information on gardening. Why the venue is dying on the vine.It is true, a person's politics may affect both the horticultural habitat favored and the habits practiced therein.
But for goodness sake- the garden is by definition a sanctuary. It deserves to be respected as a safe haven from politics.
To go into the garden is to refresh and restore the senses. To clear the mind and open the soul. To reconnect with what is more important than politics. With beauty and grace. With the natural world.
Am I wrong?
The entire article can be read at http://articles.latimes.com/2009/01/10/features/hm-victory10
The photo of Disco is by owner Robyn Greene.Filling the garden abundantly, with diversity in flower and form is why butterflies and hummingbirds choose to hang around here in the middle of winter. The parsley and cilantro beneath the roses aren't as photogenic- but they certainly link the garden to the joy of eating- something all gardeners enjoy- without need for political intervention.
Good Sunday morning to you, Lydia.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely emotionally and intellectually correct - gardening is and always should be a sanctuary.
Nature's beautied are meant to be appreciated and savored and enjoyed, a delight for the senses... untouched by politics.
Your points are well taken re: this article. It was a mish mash of themes that came out of the Haight Ashbury movement of the 60's. If she was going to reference the Victory Gardens of WWII she gave a poor picture of the why's and wherefore's. I really don't know where to start my rant with this one. Almost every word she wrote was in some way political. Lots of political themes are intertwined. Carbon footprints, organic gardening, the jobless, the poor, "communities", yikes!
ReplyDeleteE.
Excellent column as always!
ReplyDeleteBecky