My plan today was to come in and tell everyone what we did this weekend, update everyone on how much we got done. How many plants we bought… how it turned out after planting. You know… pretty much like every Monday. However, I wanted to talk on something a little deeper than how to water your root ball.
Shala & I love gardening. We love growing our own veggies, we enjoy watching something grow from seed and mature into a fruit-bearing plant. It is something that cannot be matched in our book. The whole experience is special to us. We think back on the year before and what we did or didn’t do. It is a brain exercise that we constantly are doing, thinking back on plant names or what type of sun or watering they need. You will be surprised how much data your lil brains can hold.
It is fun to walk through nurseries and see plants we have never seen or to see plants that have quietly become our favorites over the years. Even small nurseries at the hardware store are worth a quick stroll through – and the big ones might take an hour of our time. We talk with folks about what worked for them, or with the nursery owners or workers that are there for the people/plants more than the job.
Sometimes we are looking at seeds or at plants and some older lady comes up and schools us on a few things…
“Have you ever grown from seed before?”
“You know that you can’t plant those facing West right?”
We smile and engage slightly and then joke about it as we walk away – knowing they are just speading their knowledge around, because in their eyes… gardening is a dying trend. Little do they know… we are bringing it back. Our generation will never let it die.
One of the best parts of gardening is the time we get to spend together. I know all the guys are out there going…
“Is this guy for real??!?! Is this the same guy that BBQs on the weekend and drinks beer?”
Yeah, it’s me. The fat one with the beer planted firmly in his grasp. But I am also the onet hat would much rather spend a day in the yard planting & pruning & weeding… with my wife, than anything else.
Hate me if you want to, you are welcome to have your opinions – but I just speak the truth. Being outside with your best friend and getting some time away from the TV, the internet… the phone… it is an escape like no other. I suggest it to anyone that is having questions about life… you can find the answers in the garden.
So for those coming here today in hopes of finding a way to treat ants, or how to smoke some pork ribs even… have at it, but know that the things we do, we do for a deeper reason that the end result. Gardening never really has an end result, a true gardener is never done.
And a true gardener knows that it is a lot deeper than the roots.
You can totally find answers in the garden… and peace. I had a really crap-ass day yesterday, topped off my a really frustrating Home Despot trip. 10 minutes into putting my hands in the soil, I forgot all about all the external frustrations and made some beautiful garden magic.
Gardening keeps me in touch with my family – even the ones who have passed on. I like to think my grandmother is watching me with an amused expression on her face while she sees me gardening. I think she had pretty much given up on her City[grand]kid.
And last but not least, gardening brings you together with like-minded people that you will be friends with for life. A triple blessing!
Well said James!
I wanted to point out that you’re both lucky to share a love of gardening together, I think it’s somewhat uncommon for a couple where both people love to garden.
I sometimes convince Justin to come sit in the yard while I work in it, with him on his computer. He puts up with it, but he doesn’t really like it. Sounds like fun that you get to garden as a team.
@Eva – Thanks for stopping by. Agree with you on “finding the answers” in the garden. And I see a growing trend of Home Depot pissing the world off.
@Heidi – thanks!
@Megan – we feel lucky, we really do. Not to say we don’t have our own things going on as well – but it helps to have a friend in the garden with you.
Wow. You’re deep for a beer drinker. And thoughtful, for a guy with the name James. I enjoy my time in the garden ’cause even my best friend won’t join me out there unless I need help. It’s my alone time and hours can pass by without me realizing it. I often have to be reminded to eat or drink.
– from another guy named James
@JCharlier – I was prolly drunk when I wrote it. haha j/k and yeah – for a lot of folks… the garden is their alone spot. No complaints in that, sure my wife wishes I was not around at times.
I get . Gardening to you is that special time where you can clear your thoughts and just be yourself. Without all this Internet, tv pop culture getting int he way. That’s how I feel where Im exploring with my camera. Sometimes you just have to get away from everything and see how beautiful the world really is.
I’m with you on all the benefits of gardeners, and I love hearing the old tales that need to be handed down…my only problem is after the elation I feel from working outside…I always manage to bring in a few remnants inside with me…. maybe it’s time for me just to pitch a tent outside!