I just finished reading a science fiction novel about an alien civilization that set out to destroy the earth, and there was no way for us to stop it. Instead, there was a Noah’s ark scenario, where certain people, plants, animals, and a sampling of cultural items such as books were sent out into space. In itself, it wasn’t that great a story, but it did make me wonder what is here on earth that would truly be important to save if the planet were to be blown up. If there are other livable planets, they would have their own plants and animals that grew out of their own ecosystem. And if the planets were inhabited with sentient creatures, those beings would have their own culture and language, and anything from Earth would be merely a curiosity.

I can see where Earth’s trappings would be important to displaced earthlings, but is there anything here that is valuable or necessary on a cosmic level? If the planet and all its inhabitants were to be blown up by some earth-shattering (literally, earth-shattering) event, would the universe be diminished?

I can think of many things that are valuable to the earth and especially to those that abide on its surface, but I can’t think of any physical thing that’s necessary on a cosmic level. Personally, of course, I value many things. Reading, occasionally visiting with friends, working on my yard. None of these things would survive my demise (let alone the demise of the earth), probably not even my yard since it takes too much work, and people nowadays don’t seem to value that sort of outside experience.

Still, working in the yard has been a good experience for me. And for some reason, this year the yard seems to respond. From certain angles, it looks like a lovely mini park.

From other angles, it looks like a jungle.

I planted a few vegetables in my raised garden (one pumpkin, one watermelon, one zucchini, two tomatoes) and those plants are lush!

The zucchini was supposed to be the normal dark green garden squash, but somehow I ended up with an heirloom zucchini — a costata. A special treat, for sure.

This is also lily time.

I’ve had quite a sampling of blooms despite so many of the plants freezing in the early spring.

The lilies always come as a surprise.

I had no idea such perfection was available to the casual gardener.

Although not actually lilies, I’ve also had day lilies growing.

All this growth and color helps to mask the plants that didn’t come back this year. Also a touch of detachment helps to accept that so much of gardening is beyond my control.

Although taking care of my yard isn’t necessary on a cosmic level, and certainly wouldn’t survive a cataclysmic event, it’s something special on a personal level, and that’s all to the good.

Wishing you well.

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Pat Bertram is the author of Grief: The Inside Story – A Guide to Surviving the Loss of a Loved One.