To Those Who Wait

From the first day that I visited Casa Montano, I had my eye on the Weekly Weeder, which I remembered from Ryan Gainey's garden in Decatur. I thought, "This would make a great Christmas gift (for me)!" I'm pretty sure I made it known to the giver-of-gifts, but alas, on Christmas Day, no Weekly Weeder.

No sweat--I usually receive Christmas money.  

It took a couple of months before the stars lined up: husband was on board for a visit to Casa Montano, we were in our mega vehicle (with plenty of room to transport), and the Weekly Weeder was in stock. They say, "Good things come to those who wait." In this case, if I had been gifted the Weekly Weeder in December, I would not have received the bonus that came with being the first one this year to purchase Ryan's Weekly Weeder. Along with the garden ornament, I received an illustrated color copy of the book written by Ryan. 

For those who know of Ryan Gainey, this is a treasure--a beautiful remembrance of his life and work.

Thank you, Mr. Gainey, for leaving us with these enchanting words:

Weekly Weeder

Sweet Breath of Spring has

come through the gate

Jack-in-the-Pulpit can 

hardly wait

Dear Sweet William is hanging

his head

for Black-eyed Susan crept

In Bachelor Button's bed

Forget-me-not has sewn in situ

and gone to the farm with Feverfew

The barnyard is filled with

Sunflower spikes

As Cockscombs and Princes 

Feathers create a sight.

Rambling Rose is coming in hast

Dressed in a gown of 

Queen Anne's Lace

Hearts are-a-Busting with the

Four o clock news

As Dewdrops andMorning

Glories fill the pews

Love-in-a-Mist has gone to seed

With Love-in-a-Puff

Lost in the weeds

Love lies a-Bleeding into

The ground

For dear Sweet Annie is coming 

To town.~Ryan Gainey

[Carolyn Fjeran, reflective writer with a colloquial twist and former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners, and The Newnan Times-Herald]