Steve French's Philosophical 'Q'

Every time Sean O'Hare ends his comments for this e-mail discussion group, he ends with the exact philosophical gardening spirit that I feel we all should have.  He writes:
 
                 HORTULUS APTUS
 
                    A Garden Suited to it's Purpose
 
This is what I have printed on a rough hunk of white marble from the quarries of Cararra (Micheangelo's 'Pietà was made from this marble).
 
It sits on a ledge near the steps leading from the garden to our terrace for everyone to see - and I have no apologies for whatever the visitor finds.  This makes is a perfect description of anyone's garden, ours included.
 
  • A garden needs to suit the owner's needs
  • The collectionists have the right garden
  • The tidy perfectionists have the right garden
  • The formal garden for some is absolutely perfect for some
  • The sloppy weedy mess is great for the person who likes it
 
Having just spent 8 hours with our gardener, tired and content, I had one last look at our small garden (which really suits our purpose) and felt completely satisfied.  It is JUST RIGHT for us.
 
We have about 20 different rosemarys - planted in an unorthodox way with our roses...this works notwithstanding all the 'rules'....Two pots of lemons are now bearing large beautiful fruit which is beginning to turn yellow.  These lemons, and others citrus fruits, were grown from seed: talk about pure satisfaction...  Our bromilide has withstood neglect (it has been in the same pot for 35 years, is never fertilized and only watered when we remember) and gives us fantastic-fantastic bouquets each spring...our curry tree has round shiny black seeds and smells so odd every time we brush it.  We use no poisons.  We are amazed and upset at the magnificent weeds we find after each absence (we travel a lot)...
 
Our cheerful garden is our HORTULUS APTUS - and I hope each of you feel the same about yours.
 
Helene Pizzi
from Rome, Italy
 
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