As I reflect and plan, I realize that maybe
I am not making the garden so much as the garden is making me.
For instance, I decided I was going to use only organic means to create and grow my garden. So, now I am composting and this one process has led to more sustainable processes. Now I am recycling religiously and viewing each "object de trash" in a landfill. I have stopped buying sandwich bags and only use glass containers for storing food. I have stopped buying paper napkins and now use cloth – much more elegant at dinner I have to say. Even dryer lint is saved for nesting materials for the birds. And if I won't use chemicals to treat my garden and lawn, why should I continue to use them in my household? Now I am using only vinegar, baking soda and essential oils to clean and maintain my house. I make my own laundry detergent. And why wouldn't I use only natural ingredients on my face, skin, hair? Now I make my own shampoo. Now I rarely wear make-up. Now I only buy beauty products that are organic and preferably from a company with an enlightened business plan.
I decided that I was going to focus on native plantings as sources of food and shelter for wildlife and insects. Now I am a citizen scientist. I watch the birds. I watch the bees. Now I am a supportive member of Wild Ones and consider leading a new Wild Ones chapter right here in my town. Now my yard is a certified wildlife habitat. Now birds not only eat from my feeders but from my garden (which will be comforting if I decide to migrate south with some of the others come winter!). Now I have bees nesting in my garden. I never tire reading about, learning about, and observing these plants and creatures. It is so rewarding to take what I have learned and witness all these natural processes right in my own backyard!
And now I am writing about it here on my blog. Now I am taking more pictures than I ever have in my life. Now I am interested in photography and cameras and taking better pictures.
I decided to really practice watercolor painting and my growing garden is becoming my main subject ... buds, blades, petals, leaves, berries, feathers, wings.
I decided to expand my gardening horizon and grow some of my own food. Now I am in love with my potager and homegrown, unbelievably fresh food. When I cannot harvest my own, I consciously purchase organic foods. Now my eggs are bought from the Amish farm, meat from the local farmers. Now I read every food label. Now I bake and cook most of my own foods. Now I am interested in prolonging the harvest with a hoop house, sprouting, preserving and canning.
Perhaps a better summary of my blog would be
"A colorful tale of a garden and gardener in the making"
You may see more posts on the making of the gardener as well as the garden in the future.
What about you? How has gardening changed you?
