How Does Your Garden Grow?

She stood on the sidewalk looking at the rocks in the yard.

The owner of the house had come out to ask her if she needed anything.

She was just looking at the rocks.

They proceeded to tell her all about how they had hired a landscape design company that specialized in xeriscaping. They pointed out the fake dry creek made with darker rocks that ran through all of the other lighter rocks. They told her all about the different types of rocks they had used. 

They talked about how much easier it was to take care of. How much they saved on water bills. 

Why she would be shocked at the way the yard used to look. The people that had owned the house had a massive flower garden. Drip irrigation. Timers set to make sure each flower and grass got exactly the water it needed. Rain gauges. Fertilization schedules. It was ridiculous!  

And besides all that they were allergic to flowers so this was better there as well. 

She mumbled something about the cost. 

Oh sure, it was expensive to tear everything out and replace it but they had gotten such a good deal on the house they felt it was worth it. Seems the previous owners had a nasty divorce and unloaded the house just to get rid of the shared asset. 

She had nodded. 

They told her she could take pictures if she wanted. They didn't mind at all. A lot of people were interested in xeriscaping now and if they could help spread the message they would. 

She nodded again. 

The new owners finally left her to stare at the rocks. 

She remembered the day they planted the first flowers. How they had dreamt of a yard full of life and color. How much joy it would bring her every time she looked out her window or pulled up to her drive.

Now they were gone and a dry creek made out of rocks was all that was left. 

She turned and walked away.