Gardens and Gardening

In this story, a great deal of credence is given to the creation of the perfect garden - one worthy of first prize in the Garden Club competition. Cagney is the one who is in charge of tending the gardens, and Mrs. Tifton routinely reminds him that his time is short. She makes no secret of the fact that this year she wants to win first prize.

Cagney takes his position seriously, doing all he can to bring the gardens up to the standard Mrs. Tifton wants. He carefully plans using color and presentation together, knowing how important winning the Garden Club competition is to Mrs. Tifton. The garden is just a symbol of status to Mrs. Tifton however, and she cares little for the plants or flowers themselves as is evident when she insists on the removal of a Fibriata rose bush because...