Unsurprisingly, I give myself too much credit. My analytical self is often shoved aside by an impulsive other guy. Another redbud or Japanese maple is obtained. How can I resist? Then, the other, more reasonable side must figure out where it can be planted to do the least harm. The eventual, wonderful result is claimed as a mark of superb design, but even the knucklehead knows otherwise.
The formula is joyful, I think, and somewhat accidental. Part business, mostly fun. If I’m keeping score, there are a few losses, but a triumph in the end.
Experience over several decades in this garden has taught me that I can hardly go wrong. The impulsive guy has just enough sense not to steer too far off course, so the garden has become a haven for wildlife and for the family. And my reasonable self? All’s well that ends well, he excuses.
Still, even as I sometimes make reckless purchases, I scrutinize choices, sometimes before, more often months or years later. Barbara thinks otherwise, though I think she’s coming around. Always, she shakes her head in wonder as another trunkload or box of plants (below) arrives. The little ones are easy to squeeze in. Plants are supposed to bump into one another, aren’t they? At least, this knucklehead thinks so.
Ramblin' through Dave's Garden 
Love the choices in the newly delivered box! Have fun tucking them in … I’m sure Barbara will appreciate the results! 🙂
She’ll appreciate the result, but when I recently told her several deliveries were on the way, she didn’t even shake her head. Now, she’s numb.
I love your garden, Dave. I know how you feel about buying more plants. My husband shakes his head at me whenever I have boxes of plants arriving at our house too. May I ask where are you gardening from? Is that a bird’s nest fern you have there?
Our garden is in north western Virginia, about 40 miles from Washington. The ferns are one of the Hart’s Tongue ferns, a cold hardy relative of the Bird’s Nest.
You’ve given me some Inspiration to find a spot for some trees and shrubs I’ve put off planting. I just need to get them in the ground!
I’m waiting for the sun to shine after two wet weeks so I can get to work.