toil for soil

Aegaeon knew what Gala had long observed: gardening was as much - perhaps more - about moving the water as it was about moving the plants, seeding the soil.

Gala had perfect, infinite patience for donning the gloves and scooping up seedlings that had scraggled their roots sideways in search of life to imbibe. She felt a connection with each green leaf, struggling to survive, even as she mercifully plucked off those that were dead and could no longer see the light.

The watering can? A fine implement for a fine gentleman who only got his hands dirty in theory, not practice.