Gardening has always brought me joy. This year, however, has been an amplified blessing. The last couple of years we just did basics – a couple favorite peppers, and two tomato plants. We had been spending many weekends camping, so there just wasn’t as much time to tend to a garden.
When we realized we weren’t going to be able to take advantage of all of our camping reservations this summer, we decided to up our gardening game.
The first thing we did was purchase a couple of raised garden beds. We had to stain them and put them together, but they will definitely spare us a little pain in bending over to weed.
It was finally nice enough a couple weeks ago to get our hands dirty.
We have been composting a bit over the years. We bought a few bags of garden soil and added that rich compost to it. I understand that not everyone feels this way, but to me, smelling that rich soil is one of the best feelings on earth. I never use gardening gloves anymore, because I would always take them off in two minutes so I could get my hands in the dirt. So satisfying. Even the sight of worms makes me smile – it’s a sign of healthy soil!
Then we ventured out to a favorite garden center to pick out plants. It was only a little odd with everyone wearing masks, but I was glad to see that. (By the way, you can still tell when people are smiling, behind their masks, so keep smiling!)
We got to wander around and explore new things, as well as to pick out our tried and true favorites. What a wonderful place to be. Even after we filled up a flat of veggies, we still walked through most of the greenhouse to experience the beautiful sights, feels and smells all around us.
My grandkids got me a braided hibiscus for Mother’s Day. I am not a fancy gardener, so this one scared me a bit. I did replant it though, and so far, so good. It has constant beautiful red blooms.
Over the summer, and into the fall, we will enjoy the fruits – and veggies – of our labor. Several varieties of peppers and tomatoes, three kinds of lettuce, peas and beans, as well as chives, cilantro, basil and garlic.
After we got all of the vegetables planted, we added a few annual flowers to bring more color to the front.
For those of you who relate to my love of gardening, look at your fingernails right now. Though freshly showered, and we’re all washing our hands a lot, there’s still a bit of good dirt under my nails. I was on a virtual conference call this week with several colleagues. As one was adjusting her camera, I noticed that little bit of dirt under her nails. I already knew we shared this love of dirt, but seeing it in this moment was so fun. It made this odd time we’re in feel a little lighter.
Even apart, we can share our joys. Your joy might not be in gardening, but find some joy in this time. Sit in your front yard and wave at neighbors. Wave at every car that goes by.
A neighbor put a note and a candle with flowers attached on our front porch this weekend. We had only been away for a couple minutes and she snuck it in. Those little things spread amazing joy.
I hope you enjoyed my gardening journey. But even more, I hope you are enjoying your own journey right now. We owe it to ourselves to seek out the good stuff. If you can’t find it, you be the one to deliver it. I bet you find joy returned to you. Every day, find something that makes you smile. Today I found two tiny flowers on a tomato plant. That’s a good day.