Gardeners often focus exclusively on plants, missing the absolutely essential visual role played by structures, from paths to pavilions.

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

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.

Low care is what we do while on our knees. Smart care is what makes the growing easier.

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

If you cut a shrub back because it's just too big, and it dies, you haven't lost anything but a plant that couldn't live by your rules.

You don't know the plant until you've killed it. Then you've learned something.