A colorful handle on a tool does nothing for me. Once it drops into that jungle out there, unless it's absolutely huge, it's gone until fall.

Gardeners do first, read later. Why not? Plants are very gracious in accepting an apology.

Gardeners in regions with very long summer days have a great opportunity, and should use more of the cool colors that literally glow in the low light of morning and evening.

If someone says "You're not doing that right," hand him the shovel, sit and watch. That's the right way to garden.

The best gardener is a baby killer. Baby insects are much easier to kill than adults, and haven't yet developed the big mouths and voracious appetite of the adolescent.

If a bush is too big, don't ask "should I?" Go ahead and cut it. If it lives, great. If it dies, replace it with something better suited!

The very best garden is a new one, on virgin ground. Plants leap out of that spot.