Written by Shannon Charters
Mowing grass and weeding are just two maintenance duties we spend our weeks completing at The Arboretum. Weeding concentrates on small areas while mowing focuses on large expanses, yet both are deeply satisfying. To look back and see an area of the Arboretum you either uncovered from tall grass or cleared of thistles and garlic mustard is quite rewarding. It’s gratifying to see your time and effort have left an impression, however temporary.
Weeding reminds me to slow down and observe, to focus on what’s in front of me, and do my best before moving onwards. Weeding has provided me with the chance to observe garter snakes sunbathing, a fox trotting through the grass, and small birds hanging out in a birdhouse. It has given me a chance to read the dedication signs and catch a glimpse of the people who are no longer here but not forgotten. I can never predict what I may notice while weeding.
Mowing represents exploration and discovery. You get to drive around the Arboretum and explore its collections. You discover trails and backroads and you begin to identify the trees and shrubs as you mow around them time and time again. Stumps and groundhog holes are the fun surprises you usually encounter. I’ve even seen a doe and her fawn walk through the World of Trees while I was out and about. I can never predict what I may find while mowing.
My favourite moment so far took place beside the Memorial Forest Grove. I was busy with horticultural maintenance in a shrub bed while my co-worker Sadie was trimming the grass in the grove. A groundhog was chilling nearby on a bench. Kellen and Sarah were also nearby, removing a tree that had died. Birds could be heard chirping while couples and families were walking on the trails and admiring the butterflies that were flying around. It was enchanting to see everyone co-existing together. It’s an important realization that it takes all kinds of people, plants, and creatures to make The Arboretum what it is today – from those who take care of its inhabitants to the people who frequently visit, and all the wildlife and plants living here. I can only predict that I will learn something new whenever I visit the Arboretum.
Shannon Charter is an undergraduate student studying Landscape Architecture at the University of Guelph