Lazy

 

I’m a lazy gardener, and sometimes a handicapped one as well. My back, knees, and ankles aren’t as good as they were in years past, so I don’t do a lot of “bend over” weeding, I can’t kneel, and I can’t lift much. Not a big deal…just something to consider when I’m planning and planting. There was a time when I had a dozen large flower beds and a huge vegetable garden and I spent at least a couple of hours a day working outside. I also maintained several flowerbeds downtown. Those days are gone forever, but my love of gardening has not changed, so my habits must.

The first thing I had to change was my attitude about weeds and grass. I don’t have to remove every weed and blade of stray grass, especially from perennial beds. My flowers will tolerate a little companionship. I have all summer to weed and mulch. And sometimes tall weeds are easier to remove than little ones! Lol   

 

I also had to stop adding to my work each season. Instead of creating more flowerbeds, I’m just stuffing the ones I already have with perennials that thrive on their own. If someone tells me they have an “aggressive” plant that spreads quickly and blooms profusely, I want a start of it…two if you don’t mind. If a plant is drought and heat tolerant, so much the better!

I don’t tackle big jobs anymore. When I was younger I had to complete a task at once and see the results. I might work on a new flowerbed all day if that was what it took to get it done. Now I do a little at a time and know when to quit. If it takes me a week to plant the vegetable garden, then it takes me a week. So what? Yesterday I had three things I wanted to do and only did two of them. I was contemplating the third and knew that my back just wasn’t capable of lasting another minute. So the little bushes I was going to plant will wait on the patio until I’m ready.

 

So if you are a big fan of pristine, weed-free flower beds and pretty edging and perfect pathways, go visit someone else. However, if you can tolerate a less-than-perfect garden that includes a few weeds and a gardener who likes to sit and sip lemonade, then come on up the hill for a visit!

 

Oh, by the way, I had my first “wind injury” yesterday! I was going through the gate when a wind gust slammed it against me and the latch gouged a hole in my arm. Only in Oklahoma!

I’ve completed some new photo albums and I’m working on one more. See Just Tulips, Just Daffodils, and Cardinals in the left column. Will have Feathered Friends ready soon. Later of course, I hope to have new bunny, raccoon, and squirrel photos. Who knows what else the summer will bring?

 

Have a wonderful, warm, and lazy day!

Comments

[Dee @ Red Dirt Ramblings]

You're not a lazy gardener. You're a smart one. Knowing our limits is the first step in success. I am sick with some kind of nasty upper respiratory mess. I needed to read this today.~~Dee

[Classof65]

I love your albums! Thanks so much!

[Megan]

A week for planting the garden? Sipping lemonade? I like your style.