My Mother had beautiful, well tended gardens. One of her best friends, Florence also had beautiful gardens on a large gorgeous wooded lot. I remember as a child, going with my Mother to her home for lunch in the summer. We would arrive there, walk down the hill to the screened gazebo (this is Minnesota after all and home to killer mosquitos). I called her Aunt Florence because we spent so much time with them as a family it didn't seem right to call them Mr. and Mrs. Felber. So they were Aunt Florence and Uncle Harvey. Yes, I am that old that we called adults Mr. and Mrs. not their first names. Inevitably, when we would arrive, Aunt Florence would be on her hands and knees at the edge of the garden. She wore her big floppy hat and was always pulling weeds, digging in the dirt, moving plants to various places in the garden to create her version of beauty. We always began with a tour of the garden. The joy and the love Aunt Florence had for those plants was contagious. She would point out new growth, beautiful blooms and talk about changes she was making to those gardens.
Her table was always impeccable. Beautiful white floral table cloth and of course a vase of beautiful flowers in the center. The table was set with beautiful china and all the silverware was placed to appease Miss Manners. Sandwiches, iced tea with lemon and always a lovely home made pastry for desert.
We have had the opportunity to do a lot more with our house and our yard this year. Our neighbors are probably very thankful. Unfortunately our son was unable to play baseball this summer. This is probably the first summer in 14 years that we have not spent the majority of the summer on a ball field!
So, our backyard was a DISASTER!
We have a large back bed that has become completely overgrown with grass mostly. Let me tell you it is A. Ugly, B. Hard to mow.
This year I have taken the time to do much more planting and "playing" in the dirt. Actually weeding the front beds so that our front yard actually looks decent.
Now on to the backyard. The first thing we are tackling is that large back bed. We are a toxic chemical free home as much as possible, so killing weeds safely is a real challenge.
Here is a testimonial from a friend that tried it.
I will be taking before and after pictures. The plan is to spray tonight. We will then bring in a load (or two) of black dirt. Nothing like some manual exercise with a shovel and wheelbarrow!
Here is a link to purchase your own: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W9HX3MV/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=lhanken-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=4d984cf15d2aa0e59b2fdd1d209ae600&creativeASIN=B07W9HX3MV
During these crazy times, we are always looking for ways to naturally boost our immune system. Vitamin D has been shown to naturally boost your immunity. The best way to get Vitamin D naturally is through sunshine!
Here is a great article on how gardening actually can make you HAPPY. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/antidepressant-microbes-soil.htm
Working in the soil is good for the soul. You often hear people describe their garden's as their happy place. Beautiful shades of green, gorgeous blooms of varying colors. Gardening also is a natural stress reliever. Being present in the moment while gardening naturally reduces stress and anxiety. I like to say a prayer, thanking God for his amazing beauty while gardening. Listen to the birds, the breeze in the trees. It can be very calming.
I know the summer is almost over, but get out in your yards, dig in the dirt. Plant some fall plants. Be joyful in the moment.
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