When I moved to Cambridge one of my favorite features of the apartment was the little back yard. As a child my father always kept a garden and to this day, every summer his garden is an oasis in my parent’s backyard. When I visit my father, he always takes me for a walk around his backyard upon my arrival. He shows me everything he has planted, telling me to taste this or smell this. I have many fond memories of my father and this is one of them.

Backyard Bike, 2010 © Traverse Day Robinette Backyard Bike, 2010 © Traverse Day Robinette

With this new backyard it was now my turn to try my hand at gardening. My first summer I didn't have a whole lot of time to commit besides watering what was already growing. It was an interesting patch of land because tenets before me had planted a variety of flowering perennials. Throughout the summer each plant took its turn by becoming the center of attention in this backyard jungle.

Summer White Flower, 2010 © Traverse Day Robinette

A jungle is what I imagine my backyard to be every time I went out to water or till the soil. I never knew what I would find under the leaves of a plant or crawling in the soil. Coming home after work and spending time in the garden became a daily ritual for me. I quickly learned how relaxing it is to work with the earth and getting dirty as you watch your efforts grow.

Garden Worm, 2011 © Traverse Day Robinette