Weeds

Outside my office window is a rock-strewn patch that was meant to be bare. But I constantly had to weed it, even though there was a fabric weed barrier under the rocks.

One day during the pandemic, I decided to put a wildflower garden in that space. I reasoned, “If weeds can grow here, so can wildflowers.” So I mixed some seeds with potting soil and simply spread them by hand, on top of the rocks. To my delight, they grew. Then they grew some more. Then they bloomed. It’s July, and different species have been blooming since February. Not only have they given the beauty of their multi-colored flowers, but they have also attracted birds, who love the seeds.

Here’s the surprise: No weeds. On the periphery, yes, a few. But not in the heart of the garden.

There’s a lesson in this story somewhere. What do you think it is?