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.

I don't rely on muscle power to dig, I use a sharp spade and I wear boots.

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

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

There are far too many self esteem problems in the world as it is. No sense taking on plant guilt, too.

I have heard people say, "I garden in lieu of therapy, but therapy would be cheaper." I believe gardening's worth the price since it's at least as effective in curing head and heart of what ails us.

Take care with manufactured chemicals, certainly. Your safety and long term health are more important than anything. Yet don't forget that if you grow even a dozen different plants, you are surrounded by chemistry. Inside their cells even the most ordinary plants creates potent fungicides, insecticides, irritants, balms, hallucinogens, sedatives, nerve toxins, cell repair stimulants, lures, repellents... you name it. Treat all plants with respect!