Projo Garden Blog

I have become much more aware of my personality traits -- namely some obsessive-compulsive tendencies, propensities (due to anxiety, insecurity, poor self-confidence) toward being worried and feeling guilty when many things are not done properly or done in time, phobic tendencies toward insects and slugs.

I believe most gardeners are not procrastinators. You can only let the weeds grow for so long or allow so many ' dead ' flowers on the plants, before you cannot stand it anymore. There is only a window of time you must pull out the bulbs, clean and store them away, and plant new bulbs in the fall.

Then there is a task of feeding (watering and fertilizing) and 'doctoring' when some diseased leaves are found, plus propagating and getting rid of some overgrown plants.

I have yet to have a discussion with similar gardeners. A lot of my analysis is based on self-projection of my feelings, impression and behavior, supported by my own observation of some personal characteristics of people who were close to me (my maternal grandparents and my mother) and those I came to know well .. including friends, colleagues, and nursery people. I am always impressed with the people who work in the nurseries.

People who commit to taking care of plants and gardens have to be patient, tenacious, kind, caring, giving and willing to share the joy and beauty of nature.

Some friends used to tease me that I enjoyed weeding and working in the garden. I suppose some gardeners do, but I do not ' love' weeding, or dead-heading or the smell of fish emulsion liquid fertilizer, or repeatedly carrying the heavy watering can. No, I am not masochistic. The required hard labor and all other tedious work are the means to the end result of having a healthy, rich and beautiful garden.

Perhaps - it is not so bad to be a little obsessive-compulsive, here and there and being worried now and then. My flowers know how much I care! (I am no longer afraid of insects, bees or slugs.)

Comments

arlene said:

Your hard work and hours of love and caring nurtured your beautiful garden and I thank you for sharing your garden delights with me!

Mother Nature sure has been your best therapy and if plants could talk!

What a wonderful reward your garden is to you and you are always so kind to share these photos.

Link | August 25, 2008 10:09 AM
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