The purpose of having a garden is exactly for the ability to "do the walk". Why else have a garden? Just to have something to look at? That's what murals and sculptures are for. The garden is an experience for all the senses and should be appreciated that way. Otherwise, Ink, I agree, it's dead.

Patty

There are lots of reasons to have a garden. While I believe those experiences derived from a garden that are described above are ones where it is hard to believe that anyone would deny themselves from, not seeking these does not preclude someone from having very substantive use for a garden.

This is a case where people want to view the world from their own perspectives and denying the legitimacy of any other set of values. It is similar to believing that if someone does not feel the emotion of a classic symphony, they have no real use of music.

You have a preconceived narrow notion as to what "function" the form of a garden is following. If you were a golfer, would you consider that someone growing grass not used for golf should just use pavement?

There is something in me that says a garden demands participation, of all the senses, as Patty says and if someone wants to decorate their foundations this should be called something else. If someone wants to add some 'curb appeal' to assist with the selling of the house, this should be called something else. Golfers play off a tee, onto a fairway (or the rough) and eventually on to the green, none of this is lawn (pedantic enough Andrew!)

I'll look it up in the dictionary.

Ink, I whole heartedly agree that you must have passion to create a garden as you say. I disagree with it being the purpose to have a garden which is Barefoots notion. I think that a sculpture would be a little insulted that his work is devoid of the same romance that a garden has.

This is a diverse field that includes romantic notions, but it is not defined by those. That is all that I am saying.

Revel in the romance. It is great. It is an enhancement to it. It is a portion of it that many of us depend on for our own spiritual happiness. But a garden exists and functions to those who are not nearly so romantic.

What I want to know is where the cut off point is between those who are worthy of a garden and those whom are not. I have the feeling it is just below whoever is defining that point.

Think about it. We go out of our way to educate the public on the importance of gardens for the quality of life for children, for the homeless, for alzheimer patients, cancer victims, inmates, and developmentaly delayed folks.

If, let's say, one of those homeless folks (not the laid off family man, but the stereotype dreg of society type) does not get the same charge out of it that you or I might, are we scamming the public just to get work? Is this person unworthy of appreciating the garden because he gets mud between his toes rather than a flutter in his heart when the dew meets his toes. I believe he gets something out of it. It might be very subtle. It might be shade on a hot day. It might be an alternative to a storefront doorway. It may be a calming effect that he is not directly conscious of. It can be many great things that do not involve "the walk", but are positive.

I think we are getting a little bit elitist about the whole thing. There are very few people on the face of the earth who do not get some appreciation out of some type of garden. Those who can aspouse poetry to it can not separate the universal appreciation to it that all the lesser folks of the world have. I think it is a selfish notion.

Basically we are in agreement laag and when you say "It may be a calming effect that he is not directly conscious of" I couldn't agree more. The point I think I am trying to make is that we should design for that unconscious enjoyment, which in my opinion is the most romantic notion expressed so far,and not for something merely utilitarian or neurotic.

Guys, if I may put my 2 cents in,..maybe you're "over thinking" this? :)
I think you've got it exactly right re/unconscious enjoyment. I do "the walk" each day for so many reasons, including the surprises. My husband likes the flowers. My dog likes the smells and the lizards! A garden is what it is. Each person receives what they need from it, I think.

Some people like to look at things of beauty and have no need or ability to understand the subtlties. It doesn't mean they don't appreciate it. Planted areas, whatever their specific or unconcious functions, are attempts by those who buy or create them at beauty. Does that make a painting by a 'recoginized' artist anymore or less beautiful than big eyed clown on velvet? If we are visually literate snobs, yes, if we are not, no.

I drive past the same set of plants in the same configuations on different properties daily. I might not agree with it and wish I had the opportunity or sphere of influence to change it, but I applaud the fact that at least someone made the attempt and that these planted areas signal 'home' to those who live there. What could be a greater celebration of the senses than home?

The Walk -- is the Stroll by those whose gardens are maintained by the mow and go guys, to see if the work was done correctly? What else are they looking for?

My Walk is with clippers in hand to deadhead, gloves to pull weeds without getting stickers and awareness of what's newly blossomed or needs attention.

The Answer does lie in the senses. What smells good today? Is there a tasty treat, like ripe scuppernongs on the arbor?
Was that rustle a lizard or something scarier? What compares with the velvety feel of young tithonia stems? Where do the butterflies congregate more heavily, in the drop-dead-red border or the orange and blue bed? Is the view from the street as pleasing as the view from my side? Should I scoop seedlings from the path and transplant? What fall seeds and bulbs shall I plant and where? Purely selfish, yes.

Nell

It's different for different people.

I do the walk (all the while wondering what my neighbors will think).

My wife, decidedly, does not (do the walk).

But she does appreciate the view (finally) that I have put together.

Both the helpmeet and I "do the walk". I really get a charge out of checkin' it all out. I see things that really jazz me, I see things that bug me... I stew on the ideas that may/may not address the things that bug me. But I definitely like the stroll. I like that the 4 cats "appear" and provide "recon.". I like that the dog provides "artillary" and keeps "recon." on their toes.

The real conoisseuse, however, is my 80 yr. old mother. She is outdoors everyday, several times a day, unless it's raining (can't deal with the "brollie" and her cane at the same time). She knows every inch of the gardens. And in spite of her increasing dementia is SHE who often directs my attention to many things worthy of note. She pointed out the yellow jackets' nest. She notes when plants are about to bloom, she shows me combinations that she really likes. She knows where rodent damage is occuring or where there is a leak in the irrigation. She is often the first to zero in on perfectly ripe tomatoes... plucking them and eating them in the garden. I like that it beckons her into the fresh air and sunshine and we are able to talk and remember while we stroll.

I love the stroll. I squeal occasionally when there's a slug/nightcrawler on my hand/foot (I'm stupid that way). But gardens are different things to different people. And that's what makes them so great.

(bring in the happy chorus now!)