The Plant Man before Christmas

THE GARDEN FANATIC

“‘Twas Christmas told the merriest tale ... “

-- SIR WALTER SCOTT

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

-- CLEMENT

CLARKE MOORE

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through our plot

The lawns were all perfect, with nary a spot.

The flowers were planted by Catharine with care,

Her knowledge of color displaying much flair.

The bulbs were nestled all snug in their beds,

Just waiting for springtime to pop up their heads.

Roses still in winter bloom, looking quite the best

Had yet to settle down for their winter’s rest.

When out on the street there arose such a clatter,

We sprang to the deck to see what was the matter.

Under the beds, cats flew like a flash,

Austin, our son said, “One more holiday bash.”

As I twisted my head, and was turning around ...

Up the driveway the Plant Man came with a bound!

Dressed like a gardener from his head to his foot,

And his clothing was covered with compost and root;

A sack full of dung he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a grounds man just carrying a pack.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And fed all our plants -- then turned with a jerk ...

And using his hand to turn off the hose,

He gave us a nod, and plucked off a rose!

He sprang to his truck, his job now complete,

Our garden more sparkling, so beauteously replete.

But I heard him proclaim, as he drove out of sight ...

“Happy gardening to all, and to all a good night!”

May all of your holiday dreams come true. See you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI is the owner of Landscapes by Laguna Nursery,

a design-build firm at 1540 South Coast Highway, Suite 206. A “local”

guy, he makes his home with wife Catharine Cooper, an artist and

writer, and their three cats. He may be reached at 497-2438 or

Landscapes@ln.coxatwork.com.