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Joshua Peede
Landscape Designer & Gardener
ISCO Landscaping • Wilson, NC
SCC Landscape Gardening Graduate
The Patient Gardener
by Joshua Peede
In a world where it seems that everything is
at our fingertips, and our desires can be fulfilled
in the blink of an eye, there are so many things
that take weeks, months, or years to develop.
Our culture is so fast paced, and many times
the “I want it now” syndrome can work its way
into areas of our lives where it does not belong.
Although the principle of patience can be a
benefit in all facets of life, I want to focus in on
how our gardening experiences are made better
when we have the right perspective and mindset.
Just a quick glance at nature, and you will see
that some of the most beautiful things are not
made of perfect symmetry or easily fit into the
confines of our minds, but on the contrary,
many times develop their beauty through paths
we wouldn’t choose, and on a schedule we
wouldn’t plan.
Most everyone today could agree that a
well–established garden like Monticello or
Middleton Place, brings a sense of slow and
thoughtful observation about the simple, yet
strong attributes, like those found in an aged
oak’s sturdy trunk and branch structure. If the
result of spending time in such a place as this is
serenity, meditation on the everyday simplicities
of life, and a relaxation of body and mind, then
wouldn’t it seem that the approach to creating
gardens should come from a similar mindset?
As a landscape designer, and someone who
gets to hear a lot of different people’s ideas
and interests, I find that many times they have
expectations from the start, of what they would
like to see in function, color, size or texture of
the plant materials that will make up their
landscape. Knowing what you want from
your landscape is generally a good thing, but
sometimes I see where people’s expectations
can be set very high for a landscape that they
have no intentions of putting a whole lot of time
and effort into. It’s not so much having enough
money to do the work, but being willing to have
an engaged awareness of the needs that will
arise, then taking action wherever it is needed.
There is no such thing as a “no-maintenance”
landscape. In pointing out these different things
I see in the industry, I do not wish to just cast
blame, but bring to light some important things
to consider before, during, and after engaging in
landscape projects.
First of all, it’s best to bite off only what you
can chew. Choosing a project that you know
will be reasonably manageable is a great place
to begin. There is nothing wrong with having
a master plan, then incorporating sections
or layers at a time. Second, the feelings of
calmness, serenity, and wonder that arise from
encountering an old, well–seasoned garden
should also be the types of emotions that create
new gardens of similar caliber. In other words,
if a tree, shrub, or perennial takes a year or so to
get fully acclimated to its new home, and shows
signs of stress or slow development, do not yank
it out and start over right away. Some of the best
and strongest plants that you find in nature did
not arrive where they are by way of an easy road,
but many times overcame difficulties along the
way. This is not to say neglect water, fertilizer
and other basic needs, but realize that if the
right plant is chosen for the existing conditions,
then you will most likely be happy with the end
result.
Secondly, an observation of the plant’s needs,
and a proactive plan to help counteract any
problem it is having should be implemented.
It could be related to water, nutrients, pests, or
some other outside source. Taking a little time
to really look a plant over that is having issues
will be needed, and many times it is a good idea
to step back and look at the big picture, because
the answer may not always be right in front of
your face. Improper diagnosis and treatment of
the problem could actually end up aiding the
problem, because on occasion, opposite needs
can have similar symptoms of stress, such as
drooping leaves on an over, or under–watered
plant.
One last point to consider is that not only do
we need to plant gardens that give us enjoyment
now, but we should also plan for the generations
to follow. Many plants can mature and die within
a person’s lifetime, but we must also consider
the generations to come when we make planting
decisions. We all know that nature is constantly
changing, weather events come and go, trees
fall, and numerous things happen beyond
human control, but do not let that stop you from
investing in the future landscape. One day your
grandchild will need a cool, shady spot under an
old hardwood tree to sit on a hot summer day.
They will smile in thankfulness to know you
thought about them, long before they arrived.
Let’s start 2019 off right and take some of
these thoughts into consideration as we build
our gardens for the future enjoyment of so many.
Ultimately the real purpose of a garden is to
teach us about life anyway. Be thankful for those
in days gone by, plan for those still to come, and
embrace those around you now that you hold so
dear. Let this year be a start to not overlooking
the little things and incorporating an attitude of
patience into everything we do. ☐
No. 133 The Pinehurst Gazette, Inc. p.29