As any fan would agree, there would be no Three Pines without the village’s most “drunken, embittered” old poet – Ruth Zardo – and her pet duck, Rosa. In the novels, Ruth’s garden is quite a bit like her character: wild, prickly, a bit neglected, and deceptively beautiful.
“Standing like a ramrod beside them and staring unblinking at the bistro was Ruth Zardo. And her duck, looking quite imperious. Ruth wore a sou’wester that glistened in the rain. Clara spoke to her, but was ignored. Ruth Zardo, Gamache knew, was a drunken, embittered old piece of work. Who also happened to be his favorite poet in the world.” – The Brutal Telling
“‘Blows over from your garden,’ Ruth complained. ‘It’s a weed, you know. Invasive, rude, demanding. Soaks up all the nutrients.’
He looked down at the old poet. ‘Yes, we know. But we like it anyway.’” – The Nature of the Beast
Some of the plants that might be found in Ruth (and Rosa’s) garden include:
Hydrangeas: From the Greek word for “water vessel”, Hydrangeas’ colors differ based on the acidity of the soil they’re planted in, which is a perfect metaphor for Ruth’s sharp and biting tongue!
Bindweed: A common name for Convolvulaceae, which is also known as Morning Glories. They can be an incredibly invasive species, especially in the Americas; however, Aztec priests favored them for their hallucinogenic qualities.
What’s your favorite Ruth quote from Louise’s novels?
12 replies on “The Gardens of Three Pines: Ruth Zardo’s Garden”
I think my favorite thing about Ruth is how she saw how broken and damaged Jean Guy was and knew he needed her, even if HE didn’t know it. Even though her interactions with him sounded cruel and unforgiving, they helped him heal.
Every one loves Ruth. She along with Rosa they always put a smile on my face. Ruth understands her neighbors better than anyone
I couldn’t dislike Ruth more if I tried. Horrible woman. A selfish thief with no conscience, no ethics, and a blackened soul. I can’t imagine why not even ONE other character in the books dislikes her.
I’m quickly evolving into a Ruth in my family! I love Rosa, and I held my breath while waiting for her return to Ruth & Three Pines, I’d love to hear her story of what she did while she was away.
I find that Ruth is the counterweight that I need to hear from. There is always thinking going on – and her honestly, beyond any filter, that prickly bit, makes me smile as see her challenging those around her to look beyond and in between the thorns. And Rosa, for me, is love wrapped up in feathers and a waddle.
Ruth is superb and offers a brilliant alternative to Three Pines thinking. As for Rosa……
Gamache to the waiter in The Black Wolf:
“The duck stays”. I laughed out loud. I know it’s not a garden quote but it’s Rith and Rosa so close enough ❤️
I adore Ruth and her beloved duck, Rosa. Ruth’s persona of being gruff and cranky on the outside, while deep in her soul she shows tenderness and compassion to Rosa, and throughout to her friends and neighbors in Three Pines. Ruth echibits her true self with her poetry and her garden.
Ruth Zardo is my spirit animal.
Brilliant!!
I just love “I’m FINE. Fucked up, insecure, neurotic and egotistical.”
I believe there is an inner Ruth – the voice that sneers and flips off and grumbles like an ache – and yet there is a tenderness to Ruth – her care for the ducklings and her crusty attachment to each of the folks in Three Pines. I bet I could pull a handful of lines from each of the books in which she plays a part and declare them favorites.