Quotes: Working smart

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A sad truth: We all age over winter! 
 

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Why didn't I do this last fall, when I was younger and in better shape?

- Curt Pickens -
see What's Coming Up #14

The very best garden is a new one, on virgin ground. Plants leap out of that spot.

- Janet Macunovich -

Gardeners do first, read later. Why not? Plants are very gracious in accepting an apology.

- Janet Macunovich -
see What's Coming Up #45 and What's Coming Up #76

I am a great believer in doing a job when I want to do it, and to hell with the consequences.

- Christopher Lloyd -
see What's Coming Up #178 and What's Coming Up #183

 

We've learned over 25 years of interviewing other professional gardeners, especially in public gardens, that NO ONE is ever 'all caught up.' Gardeners tell us, 'If only I had more time!' That's the case no matter how large a staff they have, how well tended their garden to begin with, or how full-time they are. 

- Janet -

See the two gentlemen low center in this gorgeous Scottish Highland landscape? Like every other professional we've spoken to they are never caught up... and furthermore have no love for designers who specify terrace paths paved with gravel on a hill devoid of any maintenance path for a cart. That's a barrow full of gravel they're hefting up the steps. Designers, consider the caretaker and insure the life of your landscape.

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There's no "right way" to garden, only what suits each person and place.

- Janet Macunovich -  
see What's Coming Up #53  

 

Ever noticed that a garden has an infinite capacity to absorb new plants and accessories? By the cart full or the truckload, it can accept what you bring without revealing any change. It has an equal ability to absorb gardeners.

If someone says "You're not doing that right," hand him the shovel, sit and watch. That's the right way to garden.

- Janet Macunovich -
see Growing Concerns #758

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You can just sit and enjoy your pretty garden -- most gardeners do that too little -- while that person shows you the "right way."

Untidiness in the garden does not matter as long as the owner does not mind it.

- Christopher Lloyd -
see What's Coming Up #49

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There is a time and a place to garden, and a time and a place simply to let things be.

- Ken Druse -
see What's Coming Up #71

Stay healthy, be safe! A garden is never finished but a gardener can be.

- Deb Hall -
see What's Coming Up #47

Altho' thy Teacher act not as he preaches,
Yet ne'ertheless, if good, do what he teaches;
Good counsel, failing Men may give; for why,
He that's aground knows where the Shoal doth lie.

- Benjamin Franklin, in Poor Richard's Almanack, 1734 -
see What's Coming Up #73

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Otherwise. 'Nuff said?

Some are weatherwise, some are otherwise.

- Benjamin Franklin, in Poor Richard's Almanack, 1735 -
see What's Coming Up #35

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Low care is what we do while on our knees. Smart care is what makes the growing easier.

- Janet Macunovich -
see What's Coming Up #129

If it doesn't grow well, compost it.

- Janet Macunovich -

In addition to all its rich offerings to the body and its five senses, gardening engages the mind.

- Allen Lacy, in The Inviting Garden -
see What's Coming Up #153

We've learned over 25 years of interviewing other professional gardeners, especially in public gardens, that no one is ever "all caught up." Gardeners tell us, "If only I had more time!" That's the case no matter how large a staff they have, how well tended their garden to begin with, or how full-time they are.

- Janet Macunovich -

Praise the large estate; but cultivate a small one.

- Virgil -

You don't plant a garden, you grow a garden. And be patient. Give everything a second chance.

- Marge Alpern -
see What's Coming Up #163