In August 2015, I handed back the company laptop and left a certain 'digital services' office. En route home I dropped into Poundland and bought a weeding tool for a quid. Little did I know at the time that this little tool, bent and rusted though it is now, has metaphorically been the key to understanding what it really means to live in the present. A lesson that I needed to learn and I am so glad I took the time to explore it and see what works best for me.
If death, taxes and technology upgrades are constants in our lives, then so too are weeds. Like death, taxes and technology, they too are subject to various discussions and debate and their impact on our lives. Some gardeners argue that weeds are plants too but in the wrong place. Others see them as vital food for healthy bees on which we ourselves are largely dependent on for our food (I am in this camp). However there are those that see weeds as the enemy and something that needs to be immediately dealt with. Thus creating a war on weeds. Egged on by TV commercials advertising various weedkiller brands that do the job for you!!
Similar to the 'war on terror', 'benefit cuts' and 'business change planning', any drastic, gung-ho approach to weedkilling will have its unforeseen consequences. Risk of impact on nearby innocent and often beneficial insects, not to mention the danger of infecting the root system of otherwise healthy garden plants. Therefore the approach to weeds, like a smooth business change, technical upgrade or personal life-change must be dealt with on a step by step, case by case basis. Rush in and you could repent at leisure.
For example, a local Museum Charity that I volunteer for, required their courtyard to be weeded. The courtyard is made of beautiful old cobblestones. (Picture below). Some of these weeds were actually poppies and given their significance, they were appropriately growing near an old WWII bunker built. It would have been a shame to blitz the weeds in one go, resulting in the loss of the nostalgic poppies. Here is where my trusty little weeding tool and newly discovered patience came into a glory of their own. Bit by bit, each cobblestone was examined and only the really nutrient-sucking weeds were taken out. Then left in a old tin bath for the birds to pick over before eventually rotting down to be used as liquid fertiliser.
This job could not be rushed but being a rather dull Bank Holiday Monday, I had the time and my comfortable old kneeler to do the job well. As I examined, scraped, moved or removed I slowly but strategically reached my goal. A bit like a rugby scrum in slow motion. During the task, I attracted many visitors, a nosy robin, two amused German Tourists, a hunky Italian who loved the cleaned up cobbles and I enjoyed a lovely philosophical conversation with a lovely lady called Georgina. We discussed the benefits of gardening and meditative-style tasks and what it teaches you about living in the present.
Two hours later, enriched in soul and mind, not only did the cobblestones look good but the physical task had in addition started some mental idea and images about enhancing the courtyard cobbles. I will plant Thyme and Oregano in between the side cracks. This will naturally suppress weeds and looks good spilling on stonework. The Museum also liked my idea of having a herb garden, with sweet violets in the centre. Nostalgic, sweet-smelling, evoking memories and inviting you to sit and be content to live in the present.
Then I went to the pub. Weeding is thirsty work!
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