Sep 29, 2008

Old Gardens vs. New Landscapes

This year, when we were browsing the animal shelter for a new pet, I noticed the perennial problem of overcrowding, exacerbated by an abundance of older dogs and cats. While I appreciate the appeal of a cuddly new puppy or kitten, I think many people lose out when they fail to consider adopting a mature pet. As the pets in my household move into their elderly years, I appreciate their qualities much more than I did when I had to deal with the endless exuberance and the naughtiness it spawned.

Time has stripped away the annoying behaviors of my remaining 13-year-old mutt, leaving behind only love and loyalty. There is no more forceful pulling at the leash, no more nuisance barking, and no more rabid chewing of every item she can get her teeth on. I look forward to spending time with her in her twilight years more than ever.
Similarly, gardeners can appreciate the qualities of a mature landscape over a new garden plot. Time has stripped away the weakest plants, leaving only handsome survivors behind: no more weak-in-the knee hybrid tea roses, mildew-prone phlox, or structurally unsound trees. Although the prospect of a tabula rasa waiting for the signature of an artistic gardener is exciting, I’ll take the old, weathered mutt over the unruly pup any day.