Is having a garden like being married? Spring is the courtship, gazing adoringly at each sprouting branch, each mound of frozen soil disturbed by fresh green stalks. Documenting time spent together, with photography, and words. Introducing friends, with a small blush of the cheek to special plants? Hoping that they can see the hidden depths that I see. Summer is the honeymoon, the"do nothing wrong" season. The glow of the warm sunlight, the growth of the plants, everyone looking their best. The plants bask in all the care and attention. Autumn, the golden time, the garden begins to look a little worn, tired, there is some squabbling. Some disagreements on who should grow where, and how. I move plants, trim, and make some changes for next year. A little give and take. We wait, the garden and I, for the winter to set in, for everything to go dormant, for time to spend together, peacefully. Learning to live together harmoniously, and fulfill each others needs. And then we wait together, for spring, to start all over again.