Pushing Back the Wilderness

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There comes a time, every so often, when a man looks at the unruly wild just beyond his porch and feels the old ache of Eden. Not the grand paradise, no—but something simpler, humbler. A patch of earth that minds its manners. A bit of order wrested from the green chaos.

This past week, me and a good fella named Miguel laid hands on the front yard like two preachers at a tent revival. We weeded and cleared, pulled back thorn and vine like casting out evil spirits. Japanese Maples stood trembling, grateful to see the sun again. Italian Cypress rose tall and silent, as if remembering Rome. The peonies, now wait in soft expectation, dreaming of summertime showers.

We laid down weed cloth like a promise and blanketed it with cypress mulch as black as coffee left too long on the stove. When we stepped back, it was quiet—not the hush of emptiness, but the silence of something satisfied. The land, I swear, exhaled.

Sometimes, I think tending to a flowerbed is a kind of prayer. A slow one, offered with bent knees and dirty hands. And though no one may see it but the sparrows and the squirrels, the work stands. And the earth remembers.

As the last wheelbarrow was emptied and the rake leaned against the porch rail, Buttermilk stepped out with a tall glass of iced tea—amber as sunset and clinking ice with lemon slices. She looked out over the newly cleared flowerbeds, eyes resting on the cypress, the maples, the peonies tucked in like children after a long day.

“Well,” she said, her voice calm as still water, “looks like the land’s finally remembering who it belongs to.”

She handed me the glass, and for a long moment, we stood there together—quiet, content, watching the garden settle into its new shape. And in that silence, there was something holy.

Rockabilly style

Song about the time Cornbread was weaning two fillies for him and Doc Johnson.  In Hiram.

Sweet Truffles Ballad, inspirational

Ballad 

Harper and Michelle tributes 

Disclaimer:

Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen and raising a puppy, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician, a qualified healthcare provider, or a Veterinarian before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you or your pet have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and Veterinarian enjoy the journey with good food, a healthy dog, and well-being!

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© [2025] Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. The original music of Velma Sugarcane Jones and Obe Monroe is the exclusive property of Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. All rights reserved.

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