Wonder and Joy of Communing With Nature

Iwork in my flower garden. The tedious task of weeding is far outweighed by the sheer wonder of watching a seedling grow--never more so than when I discover one that I never planted, a gift from the wind or a bird. I was astonished when I found a passion flower vine growing in exactly the perfect place. Like many gardeners, I don’t wear gloves. The difference is that they say they can commune with Mother Nature only by getting their hands right down into the soil. I freely admit I like to play in the dirt.

--MARJORY COYLE

Lakewood