Nils was frustrated because the expansive gardens he tended were disconnected from the actual needs of his household. Each spring, he tirelessly worked the land, planting a variety of vegetables and flowers. As the vegetables began to grow, particularly the asparagus, he found himself in a futile competition to keep up with what was needed in the kitchen, realizing much of his hard work would go to waste.

Despite his dedication and effort in cultivating the garden, Nils felt embittered by the realization that his labor might not be fully utilized. He often approached the kitchen door to urge the cook for an increased demand for produce, lamenting the possibility that his magnificent harvests could simply spoil without proper use, highlighting the disconnect between his gardening efforts and the household’s culinary needs.