Color chaos

I’ve been walking the path that goes along the shoulder of Peters Hill through the orchard and enjoying the parts of the meadow that aren’t mowed. At this time of year, the plants seem to be working hard to complete the tasks that will guarantee next year’s growth. It’s a riot, a chaos of color and texture and shape unique to late summer..

This is what we get when we leave things alone; this is the result of our non-intervention, as distinct from other parts of the Arboretum. It’s the counterpoint of intention and serendipity, the balance order and disorder. Seeing the two in proximity to one another clarifies the connection.

I’m learning that we need both: discipline and unruliness. The beauty of the disorder is its diversity and the beauty of the order is what it allows us to see that might otherwise be hidden. I want to foster both. That means sometimes playing by the rules and sometimes being willing to disrupt. It means, for instance, being willing to listen and work to make sense of what we hear. It means allowing in ideas, viewpoints, visions that may initially be challenging to see what ordered thinking will allow.

I’m hoping that it’s not too late for this work for it is surely worth the effort.