If you’re like me, you are knee-deep in weeds. It seems like one day we’re anxiously watching little sprouts emerge in May and June then suddenly its July and August and we’re enjoying lush plants, flowers, and weeds, of course.
But there is a lot of joy in those hot days weeding, grooming, and generally just being in the garden. For me, it has become an evening meditation to walk in the garden plucking this and trimming that, and then watering it all. I came to gardening later in life. All through my thirties and my early forties I basically ignored my backyard except to make sure it was safe and fun for dogs and kids. My yard consisted of sandboxes, scorched grass (female dog urine is the worst!), and more toys than you can shake a stick at.
Nowadays, the dog has a fenced play area and we’ve switched to clover instead of grass. The garden has grown bigger than I could have imagined even just ten years ago. And, boy, am I glad I found gardening. I don’t exaggerate when I say that being outside with my hands in the dirt has calmed my nervous system and provided me with a private little outdoor sanctuary.
I’d love to hear how gardening has improved your life in both big and small ways. Email me at cg****@58****.com and let me know!
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Upstate Gardeners’ Journal.
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