Rose's garden

Rose Metisse and her garden seem to bloom with more enthusiasm each year.

The little garden was first planted on city land off Summit Boulevard at least 10 years ago. Back then the garden was only 30 feet long and contained only a few plants.

Now the garden has grown to 125 feet and holds many different plants, flowers and herbs. The garden still grows along the sidewalk across from Metisse's house.

"I knew exactly where it belonged, across the street in the sunlight," Metisse explained.

The garden would have been more difficult to grow in Metisse's own yard, because her trees create too much shade.

The garden creeps along the sidewalk adding color and vitality to the cement and asphalt. It's becoming so large that it is starting to slide down the hillside and blend in with the natural beauty of its surroundings. The Spokane River winds merrily along below the garden, and the view is terrific. Metisse says she planned it that way.

"The other day I found a can of Budweiser in the garden," said Metisse. "It made me happy to know that someone can enjoy a beer, my garden and a beautiful view."

That sunny philosophy is what made Metisse plant a sign among the tomato plants that says, "Karma Garden. Free yourself here, and let plants grow."

Metisse started the garden because "it was something that old ladies do" and she did not have many other hobbies. She doesn't smoke or drink much and just "travels in her mind," she said.

Metisse plants anything that interests her.

"It is wonderful to experiment," she said.

About five years ago she began planting herbs; now she can't live without them. This year she planted a large assortment of herbs including oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, dill, chives, and all kinds of garlic. This year she also planted arugula, which is the "creme de la creme" according to Metisse.

"That is the advantage of having a garden" she said.

Others benefit, too. A woman who lives down the street does the rototilling for Metisse, and Mettise lets her share in the bounty. Neighbors will stop by and "shop," sometimes after asking, but not always. Metisse doesn't mind. Other neighbors have given advice and recipes for the items growing in Metisse's garden.

Neighborhood children work in the garden. Metisse pays them for their efforts in weeding and doing other odds and ends.

"It is a wonderful way for children to learn responsibility," she said. Metisse enjoys the people she has met through her garden, but mostly she just loves gardening.

"I feel like the conductor of a symphony," said Metisse. "I can create a masterpiece, and the plants have to do what I tell them to do."

Copyright 2000 Cowles Publishing Company
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.