Friendships in Life as a Garden

Our friendships over time resemble the plants in a garden. A few may last a lifetime, like a sturdy tree which is well planted, watered and carefully tended. Years can pass and our relationship remains strong and vibrant despite years passed or distance. These are treasures which need to be watered in a drought or covered in an ice storm. Perennials are planted which last a  good while, then may disappear after a harsh winter. These may be akin to the predominant form of friendship and we must concede their loss. They were beautiful and able to last for years, giving us much pleasure. Annuals must be found each year and bloom often. Perhaps these are like acquaintances we see sporadically. We might think we'd like to see them more often, but it just doesn't happen. Our random sightings turn out to be enough and layer our sense of belonging to a larger community. Bulbs are like the friends we see at the same place each year: perhaps the farmer's market in Spring or each Summer when the sounds of music draw us to the park. They pop up when expected. Events are embellished by their presence. We know we'll see them there, it's good and there are no other obligations. Sometimes a weed crops up and disturbs us. It may be hurting something dear to us and needs to be pulled out to prevent harm. However, it may be a wildflower which is perfect for that spot. A surprise from nature, small and unassuming- it is a joy and might become a perennial favorite. There are shade loving plants and sun loving varieties- our openness to many kinds of friends results in a lush array. Some don't flower when it's raining, like companions who retreat when we are stormy. With patience they reappear when it's sunny and welcomed back anyway. Occasionally a patch of ivy or vine gets out of control. Entangling, almost choking us, it needs to be cut back severely or its life brought to an end. It looked good at first, but like the wrong person,  it enmeshed itself in an unhealthy manner. Part of us is sad to see it go, but it must for the sake of the whole garden. Periodically, we make the effort to find new shrubs and plants, even exchanging them with fellow gardeners. This refreshes the whole and renews our journey with both challenges and novelty. Reaching out like limbs, we grasp our connection with the rest of humanity- enhancing our ability to flower and grow.