My current labor in the garden pains my muscles and numbs my brain, and by dark when I come in I make my way to the sofa, put a pillow behind my back and wait in hope for the muscles to stop screaming at me. I would normally sit down at this computer and let my gardening consciousness stream forth with little or no effort. But exhaustion (from what I can't say since the heavy digging is done. All I do is walk back and forth countless times for this or that task and roll on my garden seat down the sidewalk, hunching over to plant my gorgeous Antirrhimum majus (tall snapdragons) just purchased at Lowe's), yes, this exhaustion makes it harder for interesting ideas to take root in the late hours. And I know that working all day in an office or carrying kids here and there can be just as exhausting. So let me offer some encouragement just on the off chance there are any frustrated gardeners reading this blog.
It is a known fact that mere human beings can not do everything, and there is another adage about all things in moderation and perhaps another one about just do what you can. If your garden is calling to you like some creature from the black lagoon and you're hiding in your busy schedule in the grip of guilt and fear, try this. Do one thing. Get it done. Feel the achievement. Let it warm your blood and feed your energy. If you're the "all or nothing" type, do a little "all" with the shovel and "nothing" with the vacuum cleaner. Refresh your gardening soul with the pre-spring/spring air outside. Get your fingers and toesies in the dirt. Give a cheer for the returning daylilies and spring bulbs. Let the gardener in you stand up and stretch after the long winter sleep. Ahhh! The here-and-now is yours! Just do it and rejoice that it's done. No longer will the garden's voice be allowed to instill frustration but rather a sense of resting in the peaceful knowledge that you're doing what you can - and enjoying the day.
My dream is that these lovelies will grow to three feet tall, love the heat and push back when the remaining 'Aaron' calladiums start throwing their weight around.
It is a known fact that mere human beings can not do everything, and there is another adage about all things in moderation and perhaps another one about just do what you can. If your garden is calling to you like some creature from the black lagoon and you're hiding in your busy schedule in the grip of guilt and fear, try this. Do one thing. Get it done. Feel the achievement. Let it warm your blood and feed your energy. If you're the "all or nothing" type, do a little "all" with the shovel and "nothing" with the vacuum cleaner. Refresh your gardening soul with the pre-spring/spring air outside. Get your fingers and toesies in the dirt. Give a cheer for the returning daylilies and spring bulbs. Let the gardener in you stand up and stretch after the long winter sleep. Ahhh! The here-and-now is yours! Just do it and rejoice that it's done. No longer will the garden's voice be allowed to instill frustration but rather a sense of resting in the peaceful knowledge that you're doing what you can - and enjoying the day.
My problem has always been the need to do it all at once and I always ended up frustrated by the end of the day. I've learned to stop and enjoy it more and especially enjoy the little "victories" along the way. And I must admit, I love the physical pains that go with it, I cry with joy as I lay in bed at night - OK that was a bit much but you get my point. LOL.
ReplyDeleteI have a very long list of things to-do, and I love it when I can check another item off. You're right about doing one thing. It's a good feeling to complete one task and move on to the next.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great reminder to me. I tend to run willy-nilly all over the garden. Then I wonder why it doesn't look more cohesive. One thing at a time. Yep, I needed that.
ReplyDeleteYour little babies look great and cheerful. I hope they grow and bloom for you!
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