I used roto-tiller one time. Its performance was impressive! But now it's gathering dust in my shed.

The roto-tiller, though a marvelous device, took away my satisfaction in tilling soil.

I like feel of shovel handle while I dig a new bed. Sweat trickles down my aching back while I stab metal blade deep into ground. I lift out blade to reveal fertile earth ripe for planting seed.

I tense with eager anticipation whenever I walk into my favorite nursery, or any nursery. I'm a kid in a toy store with free rein to buy anything I want! My gaze darts from plant to plant, looking for my old favorites and for new varieties.

Suddenly there before me I see a daring new color variety or species beckoning to me. My Holy Grail! My entire world shrinks to this one gem of a plant.

And then I start thinking:

What can I move in my garden so I can squeeze in this plant?

In my mind I shift established perennials to new spots and dig out marigolds I'm tired of. They're annuals! I can plant them again next year.

I smile with confidence knowing my new love will light up my garden like a prison spotlight.

But then guilt sets in.

It's a beautiful plant, but do I really need it? My marigolds bloom faithfully every year. The perennials are content in their plots of soil.