CHAPTER V. AN OLD SCOTCH GARDENER

An Old Scotch Gardener

In a reminiscent homage to a bygone era, the chapter explores the life and character of Robert, an emblematic figure of the old Scottish gardener, a breed fast becoming extinct in the face of modernity. Described with a blend of reverence and affection, Robert personifies the union of man and nature, echoing the idyllic harmony once found in Scotland’s rural gardens. His figure, reminiscent of Don Quixote but seasoned with the austere ethos of the Covenanters, manifests an antiquated dignity that seems misplaced in the contemporary landscape of gardening.

Robert emerges not just as a gardener but as a custodian of time-honored practices and beliefs, his life and labor inseparable from the garden he tends. This garden, nestled in the undulating embrace of nature, represents more than a mere setting; it becomes a testament to Robert’s enduring aesthetic and values. The narrator acknowledges the challenge of capturing Robert’s essence, fearing that any attempt would pale beside the vivid reality of his presence.

His introduction to gardening was not as a mere profession but as a calling, with a history of serving in grand estates now contrasted starkly against the modesty of his current station. This descent from grace, however, does not diminish his stature; rather, it amplifies the dignity with which he attends to his current domain, however humble it may be. Robert’s interaction with his surroundings, the plants, and his employers reflect a complex interplay of respect, nostalgia, and a steadfast adherence to his principles.

Despite his fondness for gardening, Robert holds a discernible bias for the pragmatic over the ornamental. His preference for vegetables over flowers, save for a cherished affinity for foxgloves—a nostalgia-laden exception—underscores a utility-driven philosophy. This appreciation for utility extends to his bees, whose harmony and productivity captivate his imagination, symbolizing perhaps a simpler, more coherent world view.

Robert’s life philosophy is deeply intertwined with his spiritual convictions, drawing heavily from the reservoirs of Biblical wisdom and Covenanter legacy. His narrative is imbued with scriptural references, and his interactions are guided by an ethos of peace, humility, and an overarching sense of duty and service. Unlike the gardeners of yore, who might have leaned heavily on sectarian doctrines, Robert’s faith manifests in deeds and gentle admonitions, devoid of dogmatic preachiness or condemnation of others.

The chapter not only pays tribute to a fading archetype but also weaves a narrative of continuity and change, reflecting on the constancy of certain values amidst the inexorable march of time. In Robert, the old Scottish gardener, we find the embodiment of a heritage that, while seemingly at odds with the present, continues to offer insights into a life lived with integrity, respect for nature, and unwavering fidelity to one’s beliefs.