A little of Cezanne's discipline would do me a world of good. The sad truth is, my garden has no governing principle. It began haphazardly and expanded opportunistically. Eight years later, my design philosophy is, "Where does this fit?" Time to grab a shovel and rearrange those peaches.
I need to remember this painting the next time I visit a nursery. I have a bad habit of wanting every plant I come across, especially the ostentatious ones. Then I wind up with sensory overload. From now on, it's one focal point at a time.
"When life gives you lemons" may be an oddly cheery take-away from the funereal Hollyhocks in a Copper Bowl. But gardeners train themselves to look on the bright side. Besides, I can appreciate great painting even as it reminds me that hollyhocks do poorly in central North Carolina, and that you're better off with something that doesn't mind heat and humidity. Work with what you have. Courbet did.

Still Life Masterpieces is on view through January 13.