Simon can build an elaborate front porch ....
A wood surround for the pond....
A rain chain that circulates water even on a rainless day
and countless other projects to keep Sweet Home and Garden Chicago in tip top shape.
But while he enjoys the garden I know that deep down he would be perfectly happy if I turned it in to an orchard and vegetable garden, no matter how it looked.
Like many Asians I've encountered, Simon is a neat freak, to put it lightly. He doesn't handle unexpected situations very well because they are not in his schedule for that day. In his perfect world everything is neat and orderly. Thus, when you see an Asian garden in the Japanese manner you will realize that it is just this compulsion that reigns supreme.
He could probably name two flowers by sight - a rose and an iris but that's about it. I've tried to instill an appreciation for gardening in him but the other day, after another heavy rainfall, I realize that I'd failed utterly.
As Peonies will do they were bent over to the ground. "What's this ?, " he asked. " What ? Do you mean the shrub? That's a Peony. " " No, Simon says, I mean what kind of plant can't support itself ? "
Time to buy one of those Peony hoops.
Like many Asians I've encountered, Simon is a neat freak, to put it lightly. He doesn't handle unexpected situations very well because they are not in his schedule for that day. In his perfect world everything is neat and orderly. Thus, when you see an Asian garden in the Japanese manner you will realize that it is just this compulsion that reigns supreme.
He could probably name two flowers by sight - a rose and an iris but that's about it. I've tried to instill an appreciation for gardening in him but the other day, after another heavy rainfall, I realize that I'd failed utterly.
As Peonies will do they were bent over to the ground. "What's this ?, " he asked. " What ? Do you mean the shrub? That's a Peony. " " No, Simon says, I mean what kind of plant can't support itself ? "
Time to buy one of those Peony hoops.
It's funny...my husband isn't Asian, but thinks the same way.A very tidy gardener...everything in it's place.
ReplyDeleteMost engineers that I know are neat freaks and orderly. Simon might not know the names of many flowers, but it looks like he's talented in many other ways, as you've pointed out. Cute story abour the Peonies. I'm drooling over your rain chain!
ReplyDeleteMy hubby is more of a bull in a China shop! You should see how he trimmed my germander! Thankfully he is a good sport & great at digging holes, moving plants, weeding & mowing. Your yard looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteMy husband loves to help with hardscaping in the garden, but he is just beginning to get out of the habit of calling every flower a tulip. I need him to learn the names, because I need help during Garden Walk, answering questions.
ReplyDeleteNow--I must add, your garden is AWESOME, Carolyn! I so enjoyed visiting it! I have serious rain chain envy.
Carolyn - "I mean what kind of plant can't support itself" really cracked me up! I love a suprise joke at the end of a post.
ReplyDeleteps I AGREE WITH SIMON! It seems to go against nature.
I had to laugh when reading this. My husband likes things orderly, too. He recently pointed to a mess of spent peony flowers that had faallen to the ground, and reminded me that's why he hates peonies. The 3 peony plants we have were his mother's when she and Larry's dad lived here. I gave away the ones from the side of the house shortly after we moved here, because Larry did not want them there. I wish I hadn't now.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me cringe when I see Larry pulling the little maple trees in my flower beds, because he has pulled out or stepped on plants before.
He's not as handy as yours, but has made a raised bed and a couple small benches. He also put small logs together to put on our fence along the compost pile. He has a few other projects here and there.
Your yard is beautiful, by the way!
ReplyDeleteCute Post! He's very supportive though, isn't he? :-)
ReplyDeleteRomie isn't Asian, nor is my dad, but they're both EXACTLY like this!
ReplyDeleteHaving now been in your garden, I appreciate the photos even more. You have to loosen up that engineer.
ReplyDeleteNeat knows no nationality, Balisha. Thanks for visiting.
ReplyDeleteYes, Donna, you are right, he is talented in other ways which makes up for his lack of garden appreciation.
ReplyDeleteI've gotten lots of comments on my rain chain. I'm loving it as well.
Thanks, Susie. Sounds like your hubby is very helpful in the garden.
ReplyDeleteThat's funny, Elizabeth. It was a pleasure to have you visit my garden and I thank you for your comments.
ReplyDeleteSurely you can find a spot for a rain chain in your garden?
Thank you, Sue. I think you have a winner there :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shady. Yes he is supportive.
ReplyDeleteThat's scary, Kylee!
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure to have you visit my garden , Jim.
ReplyDeleteI've been working on "loosening " up that engineer for several decades now.