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Just SO

By Mary Jane Holt
Contributing Writer

Finally! Yes, finally it is just SO. You know what “just so” means, don't you?

As in - well, maybe not perfect, at least not perfect for ever, but just like you picture it could be in the eye of your imagination.

Eight years! Eight years I've been picturing it, working towards it, on it, for it. Imagining how it would look IF… Persuading my hubby to go along with my plan (and do most of the real labor). Eight years.

At first, there were just two brick columns. Then Daniel and Dennis and J. and others put in some white vinyl fencing. Then we planted the shrubs behind the fencing. Inside the V shape that now frames the entrance are two triangular shaped areas. We have tried hard to come up with the right combination of plants for that area that the deer would not eat, that weeds would not take over, that would offer the perfect splash of color, and then there was just one other little thing that I wanted.

I wanted something trailing. Some beautifully flowing something or other to drape just SO, offering a soft and gentle welcome as family and friends turned in from their travels (‘cause you gotta travel a ways to come see me)!

Last year, I persuaded Daniel that stacked 4x6 timbers would give us the look “we” wanted. He finally agreed and labored for a full week making it happen.

I loved it. (Love it!)

Now, I already had lantana growing in these spots and it had been quite spectacular last summer. Earlier this year I put out more. Many colors. I had a plan! If you can dream it, you can do it, or be it… Some folks don't believe that anymore, but I still do.

So I dreamed, planned, planted, watered and eagerly awaited the look I wanted! Then four weeks ago it happened! That lantana reached out over the timber retaining wall and began to trail just SO.

Since then, I have stopped in my drive repeatedly and sat there in my car, windows down, mesmerized as I gazed at the trailing display, drinking in that unique country fragrance that lantana offers.

Well… This past Saturday I had a book signing event. I left my hubby (who is still recuperating very nicely from shoulder surgery), Dennis and Dean alone at the house. The two of them were going to pitch in and help Daniel with his yard work. Normally, he puts in a minimum of five hours a week just doing basic grass cutting and trim work. So it was wonderful that he had the help!

I was very late getting in on Saturday night and did not wake Daniel. I really wanted to because as I turned in the driveway my headlights revealed a spectacular buck. “Huge spread” as the men say and standing majestically in the middle of my drive. Awesome!

So on Sunday morning, over breakfast I told Daniel about the deer. Then I asked if Dean had done the weed-eating and trim work the day before.

“Yes, why do you ask?” was his response in a very strange tone of voice.

“Well, as I stepped out of the car last night I noticed that the edging looked different from the way you do it, but not bad, just different. It looks good.”

“I hope you still say that when you see your lantana.”

I almost choked.

Minutes later I was at the entrance. Dean, my son, my blood kin, normally a very insightful, talented, downright gifted human being in his own right - I mean he even builds old fashioned muzzle loaders/flint locks from just a block of wood and a gun barrel and they become real works of art… this Dean, my own genetic offspring… had used a WEED EATER to take care of the trailing lantana “problem.”

I pulled out my old Don Henley CD, the one with the “Heart of the Matter” on it, the song that talks about forgiveness and I played it off and on all day on Sunday while repeatedly telling myself there's always next year…

I think his dad had warned him, suggesting he allow me a couple of days to “get over it” before he called to apologize. His apology was about as pathetic as his weed-eating attack on my lantana -- something about the neat way men see things vs. the way women see them. Go figure! My own offspring…