Gardening season is well under way. Plants are in the ground, seeds are sprouting and mother nature is giving us weather that we dreamed about during cold snaps in winter. Even weeding is taking place daily. What more could a gardener ask for?
The answer my friends is sleep. Days start early to beat the heat. Once the temperature spikes, then time is spent indoors… still busy. After dinner, another push of gardening before it is time for another shower and then off to bed. (On rare occasions, I have been known to nod off while showering.)
Why so much work you ask? Well, for starters, I maintain an organic garden. No harsh, toxic chemicals touch our lawn, perennials, or edibles. Freshly picked produce can truly be enjoyed as I know exactly how it was grown and treated. But on top of the organic aspect, is the fact that we keep honey bees. Bees are susceptible to some organic substances and for that reason, we don’t spray for weeds. Corn gluten is applied to the lawn and the perennial beds as it acts as a pre-emergent. Does it work? Yes. Does it prevent all weeds from germinating. Nope. On our urban homestead, weeds are pulled by hand.
But besides weeding, there are other garden chores. Checking for insects. Gathering fresh herbs. Moving the chicken tractor around the garden. Turning the compost pile. Dividing perennials. Hauling mulch and then applying to various garden beds. Watering plants at regular intervals. Training hops on the trellis. Cutting back spent blossoms. Yes… gardening is work.
Yet, despite the long days, bouts of sunburn, and dirt under my fingernails, I couldn’t be happier. Gardening feeds my soul and brings a smile to my face. When I look around the garden at the end of a long day, I can tell where I have been and what I have done. I am satisfied.
But at the end of a long day after a shower has washed away the tell-tale signs of work, nothing feels better than crawling into bed. Yes. I am dirt tired, but I know that sleep will come quickly and that morning will arrive all too quickly.
When you wrote “Gardening feeds my soul and brings a smile to my face. When I look around the garden at the end of a long day, I can tell where I have been and what I have done. I am satisfied.”
I totally could relate even though mine is what I call my garden-balcony I still spend long hours checking insects, watering, feeding the soil but oh! the satisfaction when you see something magically sprouting out of the plant, something edible on top of it… the satisfaction & the taste of it is worth its weight in gold 🙂
Thanks for this delightful post!
As gardeners, we are all connected by what we do, regardless of the scale. Sounds like you are a kindred spirit! Enjoy your garden and I am glad that you enjoyed the post.
It is labor, but while weeding, digging, and planting, my mind works over the happenings of the week and gains some perspective. I miss that during the winter.
Exactly! Weeding is my zen time where I can just mentally relax.
“But at the end of a long day after a shower has washed away the tell-tale signs of work, nothing feels better than crawling into bed. Yes. I am dirt tired, but I know that sleep will come quickly and that morning will arrive all too quickly.”
Amen! I think it’s a shame that so many miss out on this bittersweet truth!
My best night’s sleep are after working in the garden. While gardening is work, the rewards are well worth the effort.
‘Corn gluten is applied to the lawn and the perennial beds as it acts as a pre-emergent.’
Do you use organic corn gluten? Where do you find it??
One of our local nurseries carries the corn gluten, and yes, we use organic.
I call these days of summer the 2 shower days! Gardening in the morning before the sun comes up …come in and shower, gardening after the sun starts to set…come in and shower! All this extra work sure does taste good when the long dark winter comes and the pantry is full.
Love it! Yes, these are the times of 2-shower days. And even though we work hard now, I am so glad I did. When I look in the pantry and freezer… I am satisfied.
Gardening is a lot of work, but you’re right – so worthwhile! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy
Gardening is one of those tasks than can be quite tiring, but your efforts are greatly rewarded. Each year I tell myself that I am going to cut back on the size, but instead… the garden keeps getting bigger.