Jordan knew he wanted to do something unique with his farmland. He wanted to win the local garden club’s “Yard of the Month” award. But he didn’t have the money to buy new trees, so he began by using bushes and shrubs (矮树苗) that a local nursery had thrown away—that looked dead to most people.
Because he worked days at a can factory, Jordan often tended his garden at night. Neighbors got used to seeing one little headlight as Jordan stood on a ladder, cutting and shaping his steadily growing bushes. Gradually, the shrubs took on different shapes. Jordan then began planting trees and using zip ties, coat hangers, PVC pipe, and even his wife’s old stockings to achieve the forms he wanted. “He has a way of manipulating plants to do things he wants them to do by training, bending, wiring, and clipping,” says a neighbor, “And the plants seem to bend to his will.”
Many professional gardeners are amazed by what Jordan has been able to achieve. “The garden itself was created from lack of knowledge,” says Jordan in his booming bass voice, “because I didn’t know you weren’t supposed to do this with plants. For one time in my life, ignorance paid off.”
Jordan’ attention to detail and his willingness to work hard have made him a local hero. He was the fist African American to win “Yard of the Month” honor from the local garden club. And more recognition followed: articles in major newspapers and appearances on well-known TV shows.
Jordan’s garden now includes about 400 species of plants and 150 shrubs in different shapes. On his front yard, four-foot-tall letters filled with bright red begonias (秋海棠) spell
Love,
Peace, and
Goodwill. These are the principles Jordan lives by. A box for donations can be found on the property, but giving is optional. Jordan welcomes people who can’t afford to pay. He understands; he’s been there.
4. What does Jordan’s experience of building the garden tell us?
A.Beggars can’t be choosers. |
B.A good beginning is half done. |
C.Where there is a will, there is a way. |
D.Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. |
5. What does the underlined word “manipulating” mean in paragraph 2?
A.Using. | B.Expecting. | C.Tending. | D.Controlling. |
6. Which of the following words can best describe Jordan?
A.Brave and hard-working | B.Creative and committed. |
C.Passionate but careless. | D.Ambitious but ignorant. |
7. What can be inferred from the last paragraph?
A.Jordan comes from a poor family. | B.Tickets are expensive for visitors. |
C.It is worthwhile to pay for the visit. | D.Jordan lives on donation from others. |