In the Garden

When my BF (of farm fame) lived in the area I gardened more.  I was inspired.  I would work with her and come home and want to work some more.  It was also before I had kids.  When I got married I took family life seriously and let a few things fall to the back burner.  Gardening was one of them.  I did a little bit here and there but for the most part plants at my house needed to be self sufficient.  The kids are older now and don't need the hands on care they once did. Now they just need my guiding presence.

So, I've been getting out into the flower beds a little bit more.  And when one of my homework assignments was to do something for my health/well being for the next six months I decided that it would be to spend time in the garden each day.

Weeding which is a BIG chore especially after having been neglected for so long I actually enjoy once I'm in the middle of it.  It's rather meditative.  Once the beds are cleaned up I can compost and mulch which will keep the weeds at bay.   I have enlisted the help of the kids for some of the work.  And hubby has helped with the transplanting of bigger items.  Things needed to be moved so they could grow properly.

And by weed I mean anything growing where I don't want it.  The dandelions are allowed free range in the lawn but not choking out my herb bed.  I tell them this. 

I started with the beds around the house.  The beds that I can see as I sit on the deck or look out a window.  The curbside bed is last on the list.  I'm sure my neighbors are appalled at the sight of it.  I probably would be if that was the bed I looked at all the time.  It is the first look you have as you pull into my driveway so I do want to get to it soon.  It needs a little TLC.  Some rearranging of plants, some plant division, some new plants, compost and mulch. 

And I read something recently.  At some level I knew this already.  But, in print it made so much more sense.  It said that your garden beds are not just about the plants but the lay out.  Do the paths, seating areas, etc. draw you into the garden, lead you to the next flower bed, encourage you to meander your way through to engage all of your senses.  Hmmm!!!   Not completely but I've been slowly working on that idea for years though subconsciously.  And as I weeded the back bed and transplanted flowers and shrubs I realized that there would be no reason for the average person to view the bed from behind.  And lying near by is a pile of rocks that never made it to the stone wall.  A few are flat.  So, I asked son if he could over the course of the summer make steps leading up the side of the garden.  I can see it in my minds eye.  Those steps will lead you to explore.