Paradise, Shangri-la, Eden, Nihon Teien, Arcadia… gardens go by many names. Whatever they are called, it’s a long accepted theme across many cultures that a garden is a metaphor for life. Just as we select and edit pieces of the natural outside world to create our garden, we select the objects, the ideas, and even the people we allow into our life. We tend and nurture the occupants of our garden, with the aim of a fortuitous and productive outcome. While some may hope for beautiful flowers, others work for the sustenance of food crops. Some grow a garden for the good of the environment and benefit of all, while others seek the personal comfort it brings, where the act of cultivating is as important as the outcome. Likewise we select and cultivate what and who we allow into our life, with goals of beauty, sustenance, community, and peace of mind, where our actions give us a sense of meaning and self-worth. Whatever the reasons, everyone has varying techniques to reach their goal. Some are highly selective and restrict what is allowed in their life garden. Planning and decisive control are an important aspect of their approach, with a set goal in mind. Others are a little more permissive, and let randomness and chance lead them in new directions, finding the experience as important as the outcome. Regardless of the approach, it seems everyone achieves varying levels of success. Such is a garden, and such is life.
