Taking Time to Enjoy the Garden

As the size of my garden grew, the pressure to maintain it kept pace. More and more of my time was spent weeding and cultivating instead of playing and enjoying. As my garden became a burden instead of a pleasure, I made a decision; I own my garden, my garden didn’t own me. Some summers my garden has more weeds than plants, the grass encroaches on the beds, and the pond really needs a cleaning. But I decided to let go of my garden pride and give myself a break when life got busy. No longer does my garden have to be a wonderful example. It is mine and there for my pleasure. If anyone points out a weed to me, I assure them I would not be offended if they pulled it. I often wonder how someone in the midst of beauty, can only see weeds. This has been my greatest garden lesson of them all; what we see in life is what we choose to look at.

As I grow older and my life is changing, more of my garden is becoming low maintenance. There are lots of options that allow people to still participate in gardening while lowering the commitment. After all, no matter what kind of plant it is, wonderful things still happen when you combine water and dirt!

Go to "greenscapes" for a list of low maintenance plants.

"About.com" introduces Xeriscaping Plants: Drought-Resistant Plants.

"University of Minnesota" suggests sustainable woody plant maintenance.

"Landscape Alternatives" is a wonderful experience.

"GardenGuides.com" explains how mulch can reduce time spent in the garden.

"Mulching for a Healthy Landscape" is a worthwhile read.

Garden Ornaments

Gardens aren’t just for plants. There are numerous ornaments that gardeners place around the yard to add interest and a bit of fun into gardens. Reflection balls are fun for kids to stare into and make faces at themselves. Wind chimes tinkle in the breeze. Three garden gnomes have taken up residence by a tree in my backyard. The little door, attached to the tree, gives the impression that there is a hollow space there in which the gnomes live. The “good deal”, end of summer water fountain sends lovely gurgling sounds throughout the backyard. Bird feeders entice feathered folk to stay and sing. The statue by the pond holds a jug with spurting water to add to the chorus of sounds. Family members have made stepping stones containing their handprints and original designs to add memories and color into my garden space. In the evening the solar powered lights come to life. Butterflies flicker and lamps illuminate the beds. The fire pit that somehow doesn’t fit, gives hours of enjoyment. My garden has truly extended our living space.
Once the springtime garden frenzy has passed, most stores offer incredible deals on garden accessories. While out shopping, briefly walk through the garden section, but don’t be in a hurry to buy; the prices always come down. If you miss a good deal, there is always next year.
Click here or the picture for "Leaf Stepping Stones" link.
"eHow" has interesting ideas about using salvage metal in a garden.
"About.com" provides information on making stepping stones.
"About.com" also give advice on purchasing statuary.

Bloom Where You Are Planted

I have a plaque in my home that says, “Bloom Where You Are Planted.” Whenever I find myself in a situation I’d rather not be in, I remind myself to “bloom where I am planted.” That plaque has encouraged me in numerous different situations to make the “best of it,” and often “the best of it” turns out to be pretty good. When that occurs, it is a wonderful, pleasant surprise.
This saying also applies to gardening. I frequently find immature plants out of place. The self-seeders love to spring up where I least expect them. Sometimes I weed these immature plants out, but more and more I am letting them “bloom where they are planted.” These plants, in the gardening world, are called “volunteers.” One of my favorite “volunteers” is Ox-Eye Daisies. My father-in-law planted a few in my garden years ago. At that tine I didn’t realize that once you have Ox-Eye Daisies you will have them forever. Every year the Ox-Eye Daisies surprise me as to where they will appear. I always think of my father-in-law; it’s as if he is just stopping by and seeing how I and my garden are doing. Sometimes I pull the daisies, but I often let them grow and bloom. Volunteers add a wonderful serendipity aspect to your garden.
So I would encourage you to not pull all your volunteers; let them bloom where they are planted. Volunteers add a unique touch to your garden and may bring back memories of people you love.

This "Gardening Community" article addresses vegetable volunteers.

"Roses from A to Z" provides pictures of volunteers to are nice to use in a bouquet.

"You reap what you sow?" is a fun read about how gardens take on the personality of the gardener.

"Dave's Garden" provides information to help determine if a volunteer is a friend or foe.

"University of Minnesota" has a great web page to help identify what is growing.