Heronswood

Gardeners, generally speaking, are not an over-proud folk. They may at times be pleased with the first blossoming of this, or the simple survival of that, but it is rare that you will hear a garden’s progenitor speak generously of its state of being at any time of year.  The intimacy between garden and garden maker, including the knowledge of what shortcuts were taken from there to here, what might be looking better than it does, what mistakes have gone unmitigated, is sometimes too much for a long and meaningful relationship.

My true delight coming from 33 years of making a garden at Heronswood instead is delivered through the eyes of those who have not seen it before, or those who see it periodically as the seasons shift across the calendar year. As the garden is regularly open to the public from early spring to late autumn, I can momentarily take pleasure in the wide eyes and simple joy that I see on people’s faces, hearing their exclamations, for a second or two believing that it all actually works on some level that is universally understood. Of course I am again left alone soon enough with my shortcomings and regrets, while knowing that my pathetic need for affirmation will again be visited in only a few days.