Secret Garden

One of my favorite books when I was little was The Secret Garden. I loved the idea of it, of a place grown savage and walled in and all my own. Wild and unexpected beauty has always appealed to me. It is why I love curly hair over straight, wildflowers over roses and my mother’s garden over all others. The District is a rather uptight place, which is why this yard in my neighborhood brings me such joy. Its mix of long vines, dandelions and wayward tulips always makes me think of a long-forgotten secret garden, and inspires me more than the impeccably landscaped yards around it.