Sage 'n Thyme
The lessons I've learned in my garden are many. I thought I'd share a few with you.
1. Never, Never, Never expect the expected: My garden never fails to keep me guessing and wondering how that red flower ended up in my pink/blue garden or how that '12 inch at maturity' plant ended up at 27". (Also refer to #2 and #3)
2. Always, always read the entire plant tag: Failing to do so, IN THE GARDEN CENTER, is always a problem. I am forever getting home and then reading the whole tag and swearing it said something entirely different. Also, never forget your glasses.
3. Over zealousness always, always leads to overcrowding: Never forget that the little 4" or gallon container has a plant in it that will actually grow many times larger than its present size. Just because it looks so small and cute and its beautiful flower and unusual color is there on the table staring up at you, just begging to go home with you, is absolutely not a good excuse to buy another plant. Against popular belief Plants are not really babies, do not have feelings and you CAN walk away.
4. Always, always use Self Control (or at the very least try and attempt it): This is actually the most difficult, because I make deals with myself - such as - "Well, if I buy these four plants today, then I will not buy anymore the next 2 times I go to a nursery." I am sure you can see the obvious pitfalls with this logic: A: What am I doing at a garden center the next two times if I do not intend to buy flowers. B: The only one that knows I have not kept my promise to myself is of course me...and C: I can easily justify breaking revising the promise I made to myself to suit myself.
5. Always, always have a plan and stick to it: Ok, I am sure you can tell by now where I am going with this. I am Garden Coach and Garden Planner. I give this advice to all of my clients, and I truly expect them to heed my sage advice. It is sage advice. I know it is the right thing to do, yet for some unknown reason, I cannot seem to follow my very own counsel. I definitely promise to do better this year.
6. Always, always take the time to look behind you: Sometimes we are so busy with a task at hand and trying our very best to make one space in our garden 'just right', that we tend to forget about all of the rest of the garden that is already 'just right'. Sometimes what you thought was a mistake ends up adding that little bit of color or texture you didn't realize it needed...Always take the time to look behind you and really look at what you've accomplished over thyme...I guarantee it will bring peace and tranquility to your life if only for the moment or at least until you spy the next weed in line to be pulled.
Debbie Notaro, My Secret Garden, Master Gardener, Garden Coach and Designer, St. Charles, IL, Chicago Area, Sage 'n Thyme Blog
So true, don't forget your glasses! And those plants do go bigger. Thanks
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Laura,
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