Chatting with friends at a party recently was an eye-opener. These long-time gardeners stopped gardening this year. They have no regrets. In fact, they described it as liberating. They have time to do other things they enjoy – like visiting with friends who drop off excess green beans.

This got me thinking.

Each season starts with great hopefulness. Then, as the snow melts, the tunnels dug by voles (or moles) through our garden are obvious and widespread. Last year’s huge Autumn Joy sedums were reduced to dried stems. The roots had been devoured. Ditto for several hostas – but only the variegated ones.

Why do I bother gardening?

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