Gratitude seems pretty elusive some days.  (I suspect we all have them.)

Which is why I consider it one of the very finest things growing in my garden. 

I know if I go out there and look around for a bit, regardless of season, I will almost always be able to find some.

Like nearly all gardeners who labor for the pure joy of it, I need not puzzle much over how it got there.

I planted it. 

And I have tended it carefully and watered it, and weeded dutifully on its behalf ever since.

What some don’t know is that gratitude will thrive within virtually any garden, deep shade to full sun, whether acid soil, hardpan, clay, or rich loam.

All you need, really, is a desire for it and a little ‘start’ of it. (It’s not unlike sourdough in that regard.)

I’m not sure you could ever buy such a ‘starter’, but I suppose it’s possible.

Often you are simply given it unknowingly, when someone gives you a beloved plant.

Or a bit of help . . .

Or a kind word . . .

Or, well, I suspect you already know the answer to this.

Some find gratitude already well established in gardens whose care they have simply taken over from a predecessor.

Not surprisingly, one can almost sense it multiplying when one stops to admire her/his artful, hard work.

And if you look closely, you can sometimes even see it in pictures.

Can you see it?

Gratitude comes to thrive in one’s garden in the most unexpected ways.

So, thank you!  Thank you for your kind nomination for Best Photography in a Garden Blog.

With it, you’ve left this strange man’s garden even more filled,

In my garden, 4/15/08:  New fern fronds unfold.

Below: Plum blossoms

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