LW: Well, I haven't been doing any artwork or anything like that, but to amuse myself during lockdown, I have dyed my hair a few bold colors, like magenta and then, bright purple. I figured if it turned out terribly or all my hair fell out, at least I would be sequestered at home so not many people would have to see.
JB: What fun! Was it liberating?
Lizette models her 'purple quarantine hair' with fabulous garden backdrop
(Image by Lizette White) Details DMCA
LW: It was! When I put the magenta dye on, it looked like I had been attacked with an axe, it was so blood red. It turned out cool, but I was really excited by the purple! I have wanted to try purple for at least 20 years, and I finally said, "What the hell? If not now, when?" Although I do hope to be one of those fun old ladies who does crazy stuff like dye her hair purple at 85.
JB: Can't wait to see you then! There's something I've been meaning to ask you. I'm reminded of it every time I walk past your house. You could have chosen to create your garden oasis in the backyard, I presume. In fact, that would have been the logical choice, if you were going for maximal privacy. Yet, amazingly, you have achieved that privacy right outside your front door. And you're still able to interact, if you want to, with the world passing by. Was that intentional?
LW: It was more of a happy accident. The previous owner built the patio in front and I didn't have the cash to build one in back, so I made do. The boxwood and roses shield the patio and provide some privacy when we are sitting outside, but I tend to pop up like a meerkat and chat with anyone who wanders past and wants to talk. Mostly, people want to talk about the butterflies or the enormous milkweed plants, and I'm always happy to chat about those. Plus, I feel like everyone has to see my front yard, so I should put most of my energy there, rather than the part that only I can see.
Our yards tend to be rather sterile nowadays, not providing native creatures with sustenance or shelter, and if I can inspire anyone to add some wildflowers or natural spaces for the animals and insects, I'm happy to do so. The monarch butterfly population has plummeted frighteningly (as have the populations of many other butterflies, moths, bees, etc.) and if I can do a little bit to help, well, then I become a part of the solution.
Giant Eastern Black Swallowtail Hanging Out at Lizette's Garden Buffet
(Image by Lizette White) Details DMCA
JB: Good for you, on so many counts. Thanks so much for talking with me, Lizette. Now, that the image of you popping up "like a meerkat" is firmly planted in my mind, I'm sure you'll appear in my thoughts at random moments. Fun!
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