In loving memory of Alice Sweeney, whose birthday is January 21.

Gardener’s Creed

By Martha LowryI believe in good brown earth, sun and seed and soil,Rest is sweetest when it comes after happy toil.I believe in miracles, bud and leaf and fruit,Springing into loveliness from the miracle root.I believe that God, who made worm and bird and bee.Wanted us to make His world beautiful to see.Meant us to gardeners, making green things grow, believe we do His work when we plant and sow.I believe that He whose hand fashioned Eden’s bowers,Pit into the heart of man, love of trees and flowers.That is why a garden gives us blessing manifold,Health and healing and contentment, peace and joys untold.