Read by Amanda MacArthur

GGardening never held much allure for me until I found myself surrounded by the ebb and flow of life’s landscapes alongside my husband, Geno. Our journey unfolded through elegant San Diego gardens, the evergreen embrace of Washington state, and the tropical lushness of Hawaii. Now, back in sunny San Diego, we rediscover the joy of tending to a wildflower garden in our backyard.

Geno, the green-thumbed maestro, orchestrates the garden’s dance, embracing tasks from cultivating tomatoes to warding off snails. His latent farmer instincts, diverted by life’s course into engineering, find solace in nurturing the backyard sanctuary.

Upon our return, a neglected dirt patch beckoned, concealed behind a stone wall—a canvas awaiting transformation. Geno, recognizing its potential, nudged me into the gardening realm, though it wasn’t my usual territory. “You’re in charge,” he declared, pointing to the obscure dirt patch, unwittingly handing me the reins to our metaphorical garden.

“Flowers,” I declared, setting in motion a whimsical journey into wildflowers. With little planning, I scattered a mix—and soon, our neglected dirt patch burst into a kaleidoscope of colors. Hummingbirds and butterflies became our enchanting companions, adding a touch of magic to the backyard oasis.

Yet, as the seasons shifted, the wildflowers proliferated into chaotic beauty, entangling the garden in a riot of colors. Neglect set in, prompting Geno’s gentle insistence on a reset. Reluctantly, I cleared the overgrowth, revealing the dormant dirt patch beneath.

Now, with the arrival of Spring, I face the challenge of reimagining the garden. Geno, always the planner, throws ideas of perennials, bushes, and zucchinis my way. As we navigate a garden center, our contrasting preferences create a comical dance.

Amidst the uncertainty, bougainvillea emerges as a contender—a perennial, a reminder of our commitment, and a nod to the day we planted roots together. It symbolizes growth and resilience, much like our enduring love.

Despite my initial indifference, Geno’s persistent nudges into the garden realm become a metaphor for our shared life—a journey of cultivating roots, weathering storms, and embracing unexpected chaos. As we plan the next chapter for our backyard, I am reminded of the beauty that blooms when love is tended to, just like a wildflower garden.

In the garden of life, I’ve found the perfect partner, one who nurtures not just the flowers, but the soul. So, perhaps, amid the bougainvillea and wildflower waves, a touch of zucchini might just find its place next year—a playful reminder that even in the most planned gardens, a bit of spontaneity keeps life enchanting. ❖

 
About the Author: Lisa Pawlak is a freelance writer recognized for her personal essays featured in publications such as the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Coping with Cancer Magazine, and the Christian Science Monitor.