In early retirement, The Garden Man falls in love with the simple, lightly maintained gardens surrounding his house. But he is beginning to explore his neighbors' gardens and while gazing over fences or watching garden projects-in-progress, builds quirky friendships. He eloquently engages people like they are family, often with well-honed kindness, prompting strangers to share deep feelings. Gardens are where grieving occurs, mossy statues are set, kids tromp, friends gather, the unsettled re-purpose space and mistakes with irrigation systems happen. The Garden Man never makes an intrusive over-reach and instead draws humor and drama out of neighbors. He's hardly ashamed to carry-on with mischief while shopping in garden centers or roaming in the community house. With his wife's companionship, life moves at an even pace just as gardens do, all wonderfully synchronized.