……

Gardening feels redemptive, which may account for the odor of sanctity exhaled by so many gardeners.  It seems like a selfless act; you’re improving your little corner of the world and working out at the same time.  But gardening is just another luxury hobby, like getting a manicure or learning to make the perfect cassoulet.  There’s nothing wrong with fancy pastimes; if we can indulge in them, we’re lucky.  But we shouldn’t make them the excuse for declaring war on the natural world.  Summers would be a lot more peaceful if we sat back and smelled the roses—even if all we have is clover.