It has been quite a while since my last post and I did not want July to end without sharing at least something about what is happening in my small space garden. My plants are actually doing quite well. Hostas, Impatiens, Astilbe, Ageratum are all in full bloom and my Coleus (started from seeds) are doing very well. My spillers, English Ivy and Ajuga Bugleweed are overflowing and giving my containers a remarkable finish. It is splendid display. We have enjoyed a few barbecues in the space and my 6 year old daughter has even created her own little beach on the balcony where the Polly Pocket people are enjoying sun bathing. We are fully enjoying our small space garden.
The greatest benefit of the garden for me has been my ability to feel relaxed and reflective when tending to flowers or just sitting out on my balcony reading a book. It is an instant calm that has really helped me over the last few months. The recession has finally hit home and it has not been easy. More and more of my time has been channeled into my day job. I am an Executive Recruiter by day and the sales cycle has grown increasingly long. That coupled with the downturn in jobs makes for very interesting/frustrating days. The first thing I do when I get home is step on my balcony, take a glimpse at all of the beauty around me and take a deep breath. It really helps put it all into perspective. I can’t help but feel better.
I know that so many people are struggling at this time. I hope that they to can step into a garden for a little relief.
Happy Container Gardening!
Tennille
Useful Links
Gardening is Good Therapy
Get Back to Nature with Garden Therapy
Tennille,
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about exactly what you’ve just said–the restorative nature of our gardens. I’m really trying to understand more deeply what actually it is that restores, calms, refreshes us. I wonder what it is for you. For me, it’s a lot of things. I can literally breathe more easily around things that grow (you said much the same thing). Plus, as far as growing things, esp. things that bloom, I think the literal going from emptiness and nothing to the beauty of a blooming plant is just hopeful. Beauty itself is hopeful and restoring, at least for me.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Sometimes my busy life doesn’t let me get back to this site as often as I’d like, so if you do reply, please drop me an email (website is ok to use) and let me know!
VS