Noxious weeds

I got up early on this beautiful morning in May so I could get a little bit of work done in the sunniest parts of my garden before the temperature got out of control. We have a family of scrub jays that have decided our berries are their dinner. Those birds have not yet experienced my resolve to succeed. After all, my homegrown, organic strawberries are about to come in. I am not about to let them be food for the birds. Today's garden project was to put in place a barrier of bird netting, and strategically place the cat statue.

That project was easy, and it went up fast. I expect great results, although I did notice the strawberry patch may also need some mulch. When I looked up, feeling triumphant over the jays, I noticed the two Sycamore trees I planted two years ago are looking tired. I decided to water. I started those Sycamores from seed over seven years ago and one of them is looking terrible. I was hoping I wouldn't have to attend them this year, but we have simply NOT had enough rain this spring.

Tell that to the noxious weed that spreads out on our backyard hill more and more each and every year. I am referring to the yellow star thistle that has claimed residence in our neighborhood. Star thistle has to be THE most annoying plant on the planet. I went up to pay homage to my sycamore trees, worried they wouldn't make it through this hot day, and there was that awful plant coming in just like it does every year with a vengeance. There, amongst the dying wild grasses and pink clover are tiny, light green patches of star thistle.

Weeds seem like such a nuisance and annoyance in the garden. These ones are the worst visitor, much like my seriously unfortunate circumstance with Hardy, or the awful injustice that has befallen Amanda Knox. Her sad memoir hit the bookshelves yesterday, and I picked up a copy hoping to help her cause. These bad instances, like weeds, crop up from seemingly nowhere and cause discourse, pain, anguish, and serious questioning about everything from the existence of a higher power to surviving and growing in a hostile environment.

I've always thought that life is filled with good and bad for a reason. I think it's a law of nature. People can push through the bad circumstances because tucked inside we can still experience moments of love, happiness, and even humor. The randomness of good and bad events teach us to muster through. It is similar to playing a slot machine in a casino. The unknown outcome keeps us going through good and bad rewards. We believe that something wonderful could soon follow, so we hang in there and keep trying to win that jackpot. I guess gardening is the same. In some ways I keep on trying for nature's reward.