• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Carol J. Michel

Award winner author of gardening humor books

  • About
    • Contact
  • Blog
  • Books
    • Shop
    • Gardening Humor
    • Children’s Books
    • New – The Halloween Hare
  • Social
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
  • The Gardenangelists Podcast
  • Gardening Humor
  • Children’s
  • All Books

May Dreams Gardens

The Rewards of a Garden

October 1, 2008 By Carol Michel 28 Comments

I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn.” Henry David Thoreau

When I see a new kind of bird in my garden, I feel as though it has paid me and my garden a great compliment with its presence. It chose my garden! I must have done something right in my choice of trees and shrubs, in adding bird feeders and bird baths.

When I spot a toad hiding in the damp shade beneath the hosta leaves, I feel honored that he (or she) has chosen my garden to make a home.

When I see a praying mantis, sitting on the edge of a leaf, I feel like it is nodding at me, affirming that I am doing the right thing in my garden by not spraying pesticides at the first sign of an aphid.

The bees buzz their compliments as well on my choice of flowers.

When a tomato ripens, a flower blooms, or the tree leaves change to their autumn colors, I feel as though each has given me its own reward for the time I spend laboring in my garden.

When the rabbits dart out from the strawberry bed.. well, let’s not carry this rewards from nature analogy too far…

Like Henry David Thoreau, most of us truly delight in nature being in our gardens. The presence of all the creatures makes us secretly, or perhaps overtly, proud of our gardens, happy to have spent the hours working in it, often in solitude, to make it a place where all of them, birds, toads, bees, spider, insects, and yes, even rabbits, voles, snakes, and squirrels, delight in being.

If we were to wait for someone to come by and present us an award for our gardens, most of us would wait forever. Awards are few and far between, and subject to the rules and intepretations of others.

But when we plant a garden, a good garden, we’ve already received our award, a hundred times over, from all, both flora and fauna, who chose to dwell within it.

******

Many thanks to all who voted for me this fall for Blotanical awards and last spring for Mouse & Trowel awards. I am honored to receive them.

Without discrediting these awards, for they, too, have their place, I confess I am more honored by the comments and emails I receive on a daily basis in response to what I write about gardening.

Just like the birds, toads, bees, and even rabbits that become a part of my garden, your thoughts shared in the comments become a part of my blog, extend the conversations, and provide me with the true reward of blogging.

Thank you!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Blogging, gardening

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. compost in my shoe says

    October 1, 2008 at 4:15 am

    These visitors remind me on a regular basis to keep on doing what I doing in the garden.

    Reply
  2. Mr. McGregor's Daughter says

    October 1, 2008 at 4:19 am

    So are you saying we’re like squirrels? That you think we’re nuts? ;^) Great analogy between the garden and the blog. It’s obvious that you’re doing an awful lot right. Keep up the good work in both spheres! Thanks for making me laugh and think.

    Reply
  3. Cindy, MCOK says

    October 1, 2008 at 4:29 am

    Posts like this are why we enjoy your blog so much and keep coming back. Thanks, Carol, and congrats on the blogging awards and gardening rewards!

    Reply
  4. MA says

    October 1, 2008 at 4:44 am

    I can’t wait to see your garden! And you know I love your writing. But you are absolutely correct, its our own creation and the non-human creatures that visit that merit reward and admiration.

    Reply
  5. Annie in Austin says

    October 1, 2008 at 4:55 am

    You’ve once again put into words something that taps into our deepest feelings, Carol. Thank you for recognizing that while our triumphs with flowers, insects and birds may seem small to non-gardeners, they are still genuine triumphs.

    It’s good to know that you like comments and emails as much as you like awards.

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

    Reply
  6. growingagardenindavis says

    October 1, 2008 at 6:20 am

    So nicely put, getting right to the heart of the matter! I’m looking forward to many more posts from May Dreams Gardens!

    Reply
  7. Pat says

    October 1, 2008 at 6:31 am

    Hi Carol,

    I’ve been to your blog before and I find it very enjoyable.

    I hope you don’t mind me asking…
    I know you created “Bloom Day” and it’s the 15th of each month.
    Is that for “current” blooms ?
    Still new and trying to understand.

    Thanks,
    Patsi

    Reply
  8. Unknown says

    October 1, 2008 at 6:45 am

    So beautifully said, Carol. Congratulations on the Blotanical and Mouse and Trowel awards!

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    October 1, 2008 at 8:52 am

    I agree that one of the things distinguishes blogs from other types of garden writing is the extended conversation between writer and reader–a conversation that blurs the distinction between them.

    I have been amazed, too, how these online visits have led to actual physical visits; how these online conversations have led to real friendships.

    As you’ve pointed out in other posts, these conversations continue on in my head, when I’m alone in my garden. As I work, everything in the garden reverberates with the memory of something someone has blogged about–a plant, a hoe, a method of gardening, or maybe just struggles with the weather.

    BTW. My name means “honeybee”–and I’m always happy to buzz by your garden. There are such riches there.

    Reply
  10. garden girl says

    October 1, 2008 at 12:23 pm

    Congratulations on your Blotanical award Carol, and thank you for all you do for the garden blogging community!

    Reply
  11. Anonymous says

    October 1, 2008 at 12:38 pm

    Your eloquent segue reminds me why you won the Blotanical award for Best Blog Writing. Beautifully expressed, Carol. And I agree that, nice as an award is, the regular comments and emails that establish relationships and eventually friendships are even better.

    Reply
  12. Sweet Home and Garden Carolina says

    October 1, 2008 at 1:37 pm

    Beautiful post, Carol, which once again reminds us of why you’ve received the many deserved awards for your blog.

    Reply
  13. lafever says

    October 1, 2008 at 3:10 pm

    You are right. The award, or should I say, reward, is in the gardening itself.

    Reply
  14. Robin's Nesting Place says

    October 1, 2008 at 3:53 pm

    The little visitors to my garden are truly my reward. It delights me beyond measure to create a habitat for them. I am very glad however that the snakes have not found their way here.

    Congratulations on your Blotanical awards.

    Reply
  15. Anonymous says

    October 1, 2008 at 4:27 pm

    The garden gives us many gifts. 🙂

    Reply
  16. Plantwoman says

    October 1, 2008 at 5:23 pm

    The interplay of Nature with our gardens is one of the most rewarding things about gardening. You’ve stated it most succinctly and eloquently in this post.

    Reply
  17. Anonymous says

    October 1, 2008 at 5:55 pm

    Congratulations on your awards, they are well deserved. And thank you for your wonderful writing and photographs. I read your blog everyday on my lunch hour, and I always gain some insight or “oh yeah” moment!

    Reply
  18. Cathie says

    October 1, 2008 at 6:40 pm

    So I’m reading along, and I’m thinking, “such eloquence, such insight, such a paean to Nature and gardening….” and I get to the part about the rabbits and the strawberries and BURST out laughing! Carol, you are a joy! Thank you for your blog and for Garden Blogger’s Bloom Day–I’ve missed a couple due to illness but I’ll be back this month (I hope!)

    Congrats on your awards, and thank you for the wonderful Thoreau quote!

    Cath

    Reply
  19. Gail says

    October 1, 2008 at 8:33 pm

    Carol, Let me add my belated congratulations on your Blotanical awards…they are well deserved. You are a fantastic writer and I can’t think of a post I haven’t enjoyed.
    Gail

    Reply
  20. Ottawa Gardener says

    October 1, 2008 at 11:53 pm

    Those are lovely sentiments. I am just reading a book by Henry Thoreau and I realize how wonderful it must have been for him to be outside, so engulfed in his experiences. I don’t usually have the luxury.

    Thanks for the lovely post.

    Reply
  21. Lisa at Greenbow says

    October 2, 2008 at 1:29 am

    Dear Carol, You do have a marvelous way with words. I am sure the creatures of the garden are your treasures. I always feel good being a minor part of your blog by being able to comment. You stir up thoughts about issues of the garden that I might never think so seriously about or even so silly. All is most appreciated.
    I am so glad you won the awards and that the frogs, rabbits, bees and birds all agree.

    Reply
  22. Mary says

    October 2, 2008 at 1:51 am

    Carol,

    You are so worthy of recognition for sharing yourself, your knowledge, and your passion for gardening. You also possess a nice human quality that makes us want to return. And, Carol, you are VERY funny.

    Like you, I will never receive an award for efforts in my little wildlife habitat. That’s OK. Every day, I see small rewards like a Zebra Swallowtail enjoying the butterfly bush, an American Goldfinch pinching the seeds on my Coneflowers, or a bullfrog peeking at me from beneath a pond rock. That’s the most pleasure of all.

    Could do without the bunnies, though :o)

    Mary

    Reply
  23. Anonymous says

    October 2, 2008 at 3:19 am

    Very well expressed! The comments are the candy aren’t they? Great job and congratulations.

    Reply
  24. Anonymous says

    October 2, 2008 at 6:30 am

    Yes, and you do it with a lot of grace and knowledge. Congrats on your award. You might be one of the wittiest people I know.

    Reply
  25. Yolanda Elizabet Heuzen says

    October 2, 2008 at 8:55 am

    Re the awards: very well put, my sentiments exactly! And as I’ve been so busy lately I had missed your lovely post about the true reward of blogging. Thanks for putting a link to it today. And what can I say but: we’re on the same page there too.

    Reply
  26. Les says

    October 2, 2008 at 11:12 am

    Your opening Thoreau quote reminded me of a robin that lived at the nursery where I work. About 10 years ago she figured that whenever we moved plants around, there were usually earth worms under the pots that she could gobble up. So she would perch nearby to reap the bounty. She grew so comfortable around us that she started to sit on my shoulder to get a better view and quicker access to her food. This only lasted one summer, but her offspring and offspring’s offspring now wait for us to move pots, but no shoulder sitters yet.

    Reply
  27. Rose says

    October 3, 2008 at 1:37 pm

    Great post, Carol! You’ve expressed so well the relationship between the gardener and the creatures of nature. I find myself enjoying the insect life and birds almost as much–notice I say almost–as the flowers these days.

    Reply
  28. Rose says

    October 3, 2008 at 1:42 pm

    Carol, I think I forgot to congratulate you on your Blotanical award and all your nominations. Sorry; I meant to…you are well deserving of all the accolades!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Updates from Carol Michel

* indicates required
Email Preferences

Categories

  • Blog (3,053)
  • Internal (2)

Blog Tags

annuals Blogging books bulbs dr. hortfreud embrace fairies fall family flowers fruits garden bloggers bloom day garden bloggers book club garden design gardeners gardening gardening geek gardens hoes holidays hortense hoelove houseplants humor indoor gardening insects lawn letters to gardening friends perennials rabbits reviews Secrets seeds shrubs spring tools trees vegetable garden vegetable gardening vegetables weather weeding weeds when a gardener wildflower wednesday winter

The Gardenangelists Podcast with Dee Nash

Gardenangelists Podcast

Footer

Gardenangelists Podcast with Dee Nash

Gardenangelists Podcast

Connect

  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • maydreams icon

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Contact
  • Books
  • May Dreams Gardens
  • Podcast

Updates from Carol Michel

* indicates required
Email Preferences

Newsletter Archive

Copyright © 2023 · CarolJMichel.com · Sitemap · Privacy Policy

Book purchase links are affiliate links and Carol earns a small commission if you make a purchase.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT