GARDEN JOYS

Evening Star, Issue 19659, 12 September 1927, Page 3

GARDEN JOYS

Once a man is deeply engaged in his garden the world is far away, and ho is secure from its hustling life. A place of escape and of peace is at all times desirable, and to have one set at one’s door is a priceless possession. For life needs refuges and sanctuaries. Jt needs frequent changes of occupation and of interest. If these can be found at baud, as they can he in a garden, it is great gain. Few realise the realities of garden joys until they have actually shared them. They are difficult to communicate. Antecedently it would seem impossible that such deep joys should come through such simple means. Yet they do. That is the testimony of too many to be ignored or questioned. “ Happy they who can create a rose or erect a honeysuckle,” said tho poet Gray. The words are still true. The so ancient calling of tilling and keeping tho earth certainly lias its own happy issues. There are few delights like that ot growing things. One feels a personal interest and responsibility for tho things he grows. He wishes them to do well. He'wants his flower children to be fine specimens. He. learns their ways, their need*. Hieir perils. He is at. their side in their most need. As gardener he is a shepherd to his plants. And there is a joy in it nil—simple yet very real—much more real than many more expensive pleasures. —_ Frank Garth, in tho ‘'Woman’s Magazine.’