Letters to garden makers

Dear Monty, I have always heard voices in my heart and head. This statement may be an indication of just how insane I am or alternatively perhaps it's sanity which is really insanity ? Stay with me Monty because it was your recommendation to sit and enjoy the garden on last weeks GW that got me thinking, we seldom stop long enough to hear what is being said by our gardens. I have joined a Facebook group called : www.facebook.com/friendlygardeners  and have been heartened by the number of gardeners both young and older who get a sense of joy and peace from their gardens. Having been involved in a debate about the future of gardening, I am less concerned now. I admit that there are different levels of garden appreciation, styles and experience - but whichever level we are at, it is possible to literally breathe the peace of a garden deep into our souls - now that is joy - a joy that comes from tuning out of noise to hear the voice of peace. Pleasing accidents Vo

Dear Monty, There has been a lot of debate (with more to come) on the subject of - can gardens be art. The online discussion on  thinkingardens.co.uk  has already stimulated some strong points of view. One comment in particular suggested that we do not need any manifestos by the artist to describe their work because if it is a 'good' piece of art it should stand for itself. I partially agree with that statement, however, the subjectivity with which we view an artwork comes with a whole set of prejudices which, if we are not careful, could stop us from appreciating a new vision of the world as seen by artists who are living within the cultural influences of the present day. Having said all of that, I'm very much influenced by the traditions and crafts of the past, and although appreciating 'modern' and contemporary artwork, poetry, music and gardens, my default is traditional but modified by contemporary life. Is any of this important ? Probably in the

Dear Monty, I battle with my own hypocrisy - this is the greatest struggle I have in my life. Perhaps we fight too much ? Portraying ourselves as dragon slayers instead of fighting with the spirit of peace. The clouds break over the coal tip garden. I suppose I am looking for a balance between wilderness and garden - certainly it has become wildlife friendly - which now includes rabbits who are nibbling the tops off Chinese cabbage. Here is the rub - if I want to limit my use of pesticides and fungicides then I have to take the rough. Even the chickens are destructive if left out too long in this small space. As the clouds lift the gloom dissipates. I need to paint again - flowers, butterflies, mountains ? I will trawl through memories, sketches and photographs. 31/5/14  Last day of May, humid and overcast. The wettest May since 2007. Pests begin to mar paradise ! Thrips, leaf miners, brown spot, black spot, rust, greenfly - all seem to love humidity. Leaves cu