Summer’s heat is here — the Annabelle hydrangeas are blooming their hearts out, fireflies sparkle in the evenings, and the garden hums with life at its fullest.
Yet tending these spaces reminds me daily how connected we are to the world beyond our fences. It’s impossible to ignore the hurt and uncertainty so many face right now. Humanity is fragile — and so is the environment we share. The choices we make, from how we treat each other to how we care for the land beneath our feet, leave a mark for the generations that come after us.
In my work, I believe deeply in the garden as a place of hope — and responsibility. I guide my clients to think beyond just what looks pretty: to choose plants that support the local ecosystem, to stop using sprays that harm pollinators and soil life, and to embrace a wilder, more sustainable vision for their spaces.
This season, I’m making hard choices myself. Aggressive and invasive plants like Japanese Knotweed have started to appear in places where balance once thrived. These moments remind me that a garden is never “finished” — it’s an ongoing relationship that asks us to stay present, observant, and willing to adapt.
Amidst all of this, the fireflies still come. They remind me that even in the heat and uncertainty, beauty persists — and that the smallest lights can mean the most on the darkest nights.
Here’s to tending gently, acting wisely, and remembering that our gardens — like our communities — deserve our care.
— Melissa
