Why I Started Gardening…
When Covid-19 disrupted everything and brought the world to a standstill, I initially faced challenges and struggled with the changes. Yet, I saw a chance to reconnect with the earth and the world around me.
The Seed of Change
Before the pandemic, my life was a whirlwind of energy, balancing my home, work and creative life. However, Covid restrictions tightened and social interactions dwindled. I found myself isolated, my once busy world was reduced to the walls of my home. As an introvert, the silence gave me an opportunity to get grounded and take in as much as I was putting out.
While this was beautiful, soon the reality of experiencing a pandemic in real time began to set in by simply going to get groceries and a few essentials for the house. Folks were fighting for toilet paper, gas prices shot through the roof and the number of frozen vegetables I was able to purchase was restricted.
Not veggie restrictions…now you have gone to far. The beginning of resistance.
Gardening as Therapy
Amid pressures, I shifted gears at home. Rather than succumbing to capitalism, I embraced gardening. Initially a practical choice for sustenance, it evolved into a therapeutic refuge and an appointment with God, offering emotional comfort and a sense of empowerment amidst challenges. Gardening became my personal act of defiance, a means to reclaim autonomy, and combat stress.
A Labor of Love
My determination to transform my patio into my own mini oasis was driven by more than just practicality. I discovered a more profound love for nature, a connection I hadn't fully appreciated before. There's something incredibly humbling about working with the earth. It teaches patience, resilience, and the beauty of growth.
Today, I’m able to appreciate the little things that make nature so magical and be present in the process of evolution in ways I would’ve never imagined. I notice when a plant has gained a new leaf or needs a little more tender love and care. I can appreciate the level of stillness the process requires and this little world of mine continues to grow everyday.