Creating a Sanctum

I thought I had included this quote from How To Lay Out a Garden before, but I guess not:

"Few characteristics of a garden contribute more to render it agreeable than snugness and seclusion. They serve to make it appear peculiarly one's own, converting it into a sort of sanctum. A place that has neither of these properties might as well be public property. Those who love their garden often want to walk, work, ruminate, read, romp, or examine the various changes and developments of nature in it; and to do so unobserved. All that attaches us to a garden, and renders it a delightful and cherished object, seems dashed and marred if it has no privacy. It is a luxury to walk, sit, or recline at ease, on a summer's day, and drink in the sights and sounds peculiar to a garden, without fear of interruption; or of dress, or attitude, or occupation being observed and criticized."

It is a low-cost luxury, too, compared to most things these days. I look forward to working in my little sanctum this summer.