GARDEN FANATIC: Christmas Eve, gardening style

“‘Twas Christmas told the merriest tale “

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

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‘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 were covered with compost and root;

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

And he looked like a groundsman 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.

With apologies to Clement C. Moore.

STEVE KAWARATANI is happily married to award-winning writer, Catharine Cooper, and has one cat and five dogs. He can be reached at (949) 497-8168, or e-mail to plantman2@mac.com