Another first for a Designated Writer co-founder; one of us went on the Le Tour des Jardin 2019 tour Sunday, presented by the Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners and benefiting that beautiful organization.

Le Tour des Jardin means “pick all the peas you want but you have to bring your own bucket.” Thought it meant that. Brought my gloves and bucket.

Turns out, neg.

Instead, you go to homes of nice gardening people, park where you can, and just walk around. Five private homes were on the list. We went to three. Saw everything from roses to Fox Tail to our kin folks to friends to rosemary: rub your hands on it and the fragrance stays with you.

Got to see one of my old Little League dads. Day-maker. His family’s home was on the tour. I would try to describe it but we’ll leave it with one word: Eden. This was some serious flora and fauna, and we at DW have always been pro-flora and fauna.

Rolling front lawn. Screened “summer house” that I would call The Nap House. Raised back patio and raised gardens. Fire and water features.

Gorgeous.

I saw my guy and said, “Can’t believe you’ve let your yard get away from you like this. Shame. I’ll buy you a weedeater and drop it by tomorrow.”

I wanted to ask him if he’d let me come mow his grass one day for free, just so I could look around more. And five-finger discount a couple of shrubs.

It is harder than it looks, but gardening is well worth it. I am a small-scale garden guy and have become smart enough to learn that nature is always a work in progress. You’ll never learn it all. But that’s good. Gardening is full of surprises, but the small victories keep you going. Thank you to all who garden to make the world a prettier place.

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