Read by Matilda Longbottom

AAlright, I’ll confess. When I should be out in the garden battling my perennial nemesis, the wisteria-from-hell, I often find myself lost in the depths of my computer screen. Picture this: a serene Summer afternoon, the sun gently kissing the earth, and there I am, engrossed in a digital world of online dating. But have no fear, it’s not the kind of dating you might think.

Let me set the scene. We bought this house with promises of a “low-maintenance garden.” Little did we know, the wisteria lurking near the trunk had its own agenda. It blooms for a mere two weeks, then spends the rest of the year sending out sneaky runners that throttle everything in sight. My friend and I spent one delightful afternoon battling this floral fiend, but it seems the wisteria always has the last laugh.

Now, I love my land, truly. It’s a slice of heaven nestled in the Boston suburbs, complete with granite outcroppings and mini woodland gardens. But alas, the wisteria’s grip knows no bounds. So, I find solace in the digital embrace of online dating. No, not for human companionship, but for the love of land.

These online listings are like tantalizing glimpses into potential relationships. Picturesque mountain views, manicured gardens, and quaint orchards beckon me with promises of a new love affair. I daydream about driving up country lanes, admiring flower beds, and gazing at dramatic vistas from stone patios.

But, like any seasoned dater, I know appearances can be deceiving. These websites only offer a curated glimpse, omitting the gritty details of property ownership. Who knows if there’s a woodchuck army lurking in the shadows or an apple orchard in dire need of attention?

Despite my digital dalliances, I always come back to reality. I cherish the land I currently call home, despite its wisteria-induced woes. And just like any enduring relationship, it requires time and effort. So, I hang up my virtual romance and don my gardening gloves, ready to tackle the wisteria once more. ❖

About the Author: Ginger Webb is a hospice social worker from Arlington, MA. When she’s not tending to her garden or battling wisteria, you can find her immersed in community theater or church activities. And through it all, she strives to cultivate love, both in her garden and in her heart.