It takes vision to shape a shrub. It also takes patience. And the right tools. It takes creativity and thoughtfulness as well.
Not everyone can shape a tree or a bush. Wait- everyone can shape a tree or bush but not everyone can do it well.
Each cut and non-cut is a decision with lasting effects. One wrong snip and you could forever alter the shape of your plant. So there is also acceptance involved. Understanding that you might make the wrong choice and that you have to own it no matter what. Readjusting to the new vision and continuing to move forward.
Some people try to prune shrubs and mangle them forever. They lose their natural shape, their luster, and sometimes dry up. They leave them to wither away. Just a carcass compared to what they once were or could have been. And people become skilled at ignoring death and no longer pay attention to the ugliness they have brought into the world. They learn to see the world through ignorance and affect. Their vision becomes lost.
If you shape one shrub well that is an accomplishment. But what does it take to trim and hone an entire landscape? To see the larger picture and shape it into life. To know how each tree or bush fits in with the rest and how they fit together to form the whole picture. You have to be able to see into the future. To see past what is right in front of you and dream. To understand the long term pay off that comes from doing it well and with care the first time.
There’s no money involved in endeavors such as this. Just artistry and skill and labor. Sweat and blisters and a cold beer after hours of work. The reward is the beauty that you bring into the world. And that is enough.
