"Guard"ening....of Plants and People

Spring has sprung, which means gardening season is upon us!

As I tended to the remnants of last year's flowers, fruits, and vegetables - removing the final vestiges of winter-ravaged plants, it occurred to me how much common ground exists between horticultural activity and relationships - enough to make me think of a term that can incorporate both realms: "Guard"ening.

I won't beat around the bush. When we sow the seeds of any affiliation, we are, in a sense, putting down roots as a means of grounding ourselves to someone - whether  romantically, or as close, trusted family or friends.  Through the years, we learn to nurture the liaisons we create with others by tending to their needs, devoting the proper time and attention to them, and demonstrating that we care.  

The reality is, it all works the same way in the garden!  We are the guardians of what takes root in our personal patches of green space.

Everyone knows that it's no bed of roses to clear out the weeds, till the soil, and add the proper nutrients to ensure the hardiest yield, but we take stock of the vast display of vibrant flowers, or the plumpest, most succulent tomatoes and just know that the effort we put forth at the start of our endeavor has been well-worth the outcome.  It is often even better than we ever could have imagined! 

                   

It all works the same way with people!  We are the guardians of the bonds we create with others.

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It is certainly no secret that you get out of something what you put into it.  Hard work is always in season, regardless of if we are referring to the burgeoning florae or the human bonds that we are cultivating,.  The requirements are the same, as is the fact that we essentially "guard" them both, by providing the necessary components in order for our gardens/relationships to thrive.  If we cease supplying essential elements to either, they will wilt and, eventually go to seed - which, in agricultural terms, is a delicate way to say "die out".  

So many of us take pride in having a green thumb when it comes to house or outdoor plants.  We diligently water, remove weeds that can (selfishly) suck the nutrients away from what we want to grow, protect them from harmful pests, and perhaps prune them - all in an attempt to derive the healthiest, most beautiful vegetation.  Why not exhibit that same delight in fostering growth with each other? Do we forget that the invariable sweat equity that goes into gardening can produce equivalent results when applied to relationships with people?  If so, we must nip things in the bud, and dig deep to see the similarities.  They are, indeed, uncanny! 

Think about it:  You've attempted to plant annuals, year after year, and like a thorn in your side, the rabbits, squirrels, and deer lop off the buds before they even have a chance to bloom. So, you turn to your friend, Google, (Ok, I turned to my friend, Google.) for suggestions on how to deter the animals from enjoying my flowers before I have the opportunity to do so!  I follow the recipe to concoct an animal-friendly spray preventive, and diligently coat the delicate saplings with the Cayenne Pepper blend - and then pray that it doesn't rain overnight, defeating my efforts with a quick rinse by Mother Nature.  That is an abundance of exertion to try and preserve, protect, and proliferate an assemblage of plants!  It is the same type of commitment that helps produce a healthy, flourishing relationship with another person.  When we consider the similarities needed to sustain our vegetation and our partnerships, it is evident that we shield or "guard" them both through hard work and dedication.

If we find ourselves overwhelmed, or in the weeds, when it comes to relating to those we love, why not turn over a new leaf, infusing each other with protective solutions, nurturing elements, and the devotion that inspires us all to blossom and bloom, continuing the practice of "guardening", both in our actual gardens and in our connections with the people who are most important in our lives.

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