Why is it some people dislike gardening? Why do they dislike anything?

My hobbies include gardening, knitting, and dogs. I certainly don't expect you to take them all up too just because I like them. Maybe knitting gives you a headache, tries your concentration, and makes you think of old ladies back in the dark ages. Maybe dogs trigger your allergies and just don't sit still enough.

That's fine. I still enjoy them. To each his own.

Laurie admits that she's tried gardening, understands it, and appreciates the end result, both aesthetically, and for the work that goes into it. That's plenty for me. If she doesn't enjoy actually doing it, she shouldn't be forced to.

Our wrath should be saved for those who suggest we get rid of all those 'weeds' and put in something practical like a concrete slab.

-C

Well, I'm with you, Stuart, in that I can't figure out why people don't want to garden, if only to make the world a more beautiful, peaceful place. But then I don't understand why many people don't like to read. Likewise, I probably puzzle those who go to bingo, watch reality television or sports, because those things just aren't me. Maybe the analogy isn't apt, but I figure we're all different.
Interestingly, I can't think of anyone in my world who isn't interested in gardening to some extent...but perhaps that's because my friends and family are all gardeners (and some are also writers like me). Even my darling better half, who when we got together wouldn't have called himself a gardener, loves the gardens and is a big help to me around here. But then he also loves cats, and me...so he's the perfect spouse. :-)

I'm of the "to each his own" mindset on this. I get more upset about the use of chemicals or GM seeds...but I understand folks who don't garden. I used to ride horses and chase boys in my youth-no time for gardening! Plus, I didn't want to start something I'm not willing to follow through with. (Why plant veggies if they're overrun with weeds by harvest?) Like pets, I don't want to get involved with something that becomes an obligatory chore later when the charm wears off. So do what you wish...just do it with passion!

And lots of people can't imagine not loving football. But that's a cool thing about feeling passionate about something - that you can't imagine why everyone ISN'T. S

I don't wish everyone gardened,just a few more around here. And... more habitat gardeners would be good.
That is why I like garden bloggers. I know there will be a conversation I can relate to and a few pictures to enjoy when I have time.

What an interesting post, Stuart...there are at least 6 Laurie King books on my shelf, and she's such a wonderful author it's okay if she isn't also a gardener. And as Jodi notes - in return no one better expect me to care about sports, bingo or reality shows ;-]

It isn't nongardeners that I object to - what bugs me are those I call anti gardeners... people who should live in an apartment or condo but instead buy homes with land, cut down the trees, take out flower beds, and then pay other people to turn the shrubs into geometric shapes, spraying their property and the adjacent neighbors' with pesticides, lawn chemicals and gasoline fumes while they stay inside, admiring how tidy and free of natural life their piece of the world has become.

If I don't like football it has no impact on those who love it... but if someone with property does not like gardening he/she can do a lot of damage to the environment while making true gardeners miserable.

Annie at the Transplantable Rose