People find all kinds of ways to escape the stresses of modern life. This morning we have had a brief thunderstorm so I am forced to stay indoors for awhile rather than running straight away to the garden. Being outdoors and working and creating gardens in our newly acquired space has consumed most of my waking hours for the past two months. Each day I tell myself I will begin writing this blog again; and yet each day I find myself outside, not wanting to go inside. Before I know it, it is time to go in, make dinner, wash dishes, go to bed, and get up the following day to do it all again.
Gardening is more than just a passion of mine. It verges on obsession. It is my escape from a life that is approaching the finish line. I want – no, I need – to landscape this large yard as quickly as I can. I want to enjoy an abundance of flowers, and hopefully fruit, while I still inhabit this body. It will be several years before I, or anyone, can enjoy the shade and other benefits from the trees that I am planting. It is too late now to plant asparagus – until next spring – and then it will be three years before it can be harvested. Most perennials take at least three years to really get established. In this agricultural community where herbicides and pesticides have been liberally and frequently applied, I do not know how long it will take for the beneficial insects, the native bees, the butterflies, and other wildlife, like toads, to discover the safe habitat that I am creating for them. Clearly, I am on a mission here. I will not stop until I can no longer get up.
When a friend of my daughter saw how much I have accomplished, in the short time that we have been here, she told him that the time I spend in the garden is pretty much “all day, every day.” Today is Summer Solstice; however, and I know I have only a few short months remaining before the brutal cold and wind return. Where will I escape to then?
