A Case of the Human Condition: I Did It — I Offed Those Frightful Snapdragons

Before . . .

By Barbara Falconer Newhall

I did it. I pulled those bloody maroon snapdragons up by the roots. My front yard color scheme has been restored, and all is right with the world.

It occured to me, I pull up weeds all the time, I kill mosquitos, I eat lamb chops, for heaven’s sake.

And so, once again, my rock garden pleases the eye, my eye, with its delicate pinks, lavenders, roses, creamy whites and modest yellows–all colors that get along with each other and wouldn’t think of screaming for attention across the front yard.

Now that those gloomy snapdragons are gone, there’s a nice hole in the landscape all set to go, with rich soil and fat earthworms. What shall I plant?

. . . after.

My son Peter commented yesterday that he loves snapdragons. He was too late by just hours. I’d already yanked those puppies out–fortunately, or I might have spared the homely things, and then I’d have to look at them all summer.

Maybe I’ll put in some nice pink and yellow snaps in Peter’s honor.