Report From An Opinionated Gardener – June 12
When I garden, it’s as if my alternate attention deficit self takes over. I tend to wander willy-nilly from task to task, weeding here, deadheading there, and putting a plant in the soil somewhere else. I get a great deal done, but not in a focused, confined sort of fashion.
Some of this haphazard garden tending style is due to my willingness to be drawn to specific areas as the plants themselves call to me. One part of the garden will make sure that I know that it needs attention now. Some of this style can be attributed to my interest being drawn toward what is more enjoyable for me (planting and weeding) instead of those jobs that are less rewarding (mulching, transplanting).
Yes, I love weeding. The results are immediately evident, it’s not physically taxing, and it is downright meditative. Planting is satisfying because you’re adding new, potentially wonderful things to the landscape. Deadheading can be calming and instantly rewarding.
I think that it’s easy at this time of year to get overwhelmed. I don’t know about you, but at this time of year at Poison Ivy Acres there are areas needing attention everywhere I turn. In June I’m still planting and planning, fixing past mistakes, weeding, fighting insect attacks, trimming, deadheading and filling containers. For me, flitting from area to area helps me not feel overwhelmed.
I’m acknowledging that all need work, and although not finishing in each part of the garden I manage to deal with what is most pressing while still getting some of those enjoyable tasks such as planting and weeding completed.
Attention deficit gardening works for me.
From so far away you can't see the weeds...but I spent about a half an hour pulling weeds out of this area of the front garden this afternoon. This was great - I find weeding to be very calming.
