We're into our eleventh week, lockdown is easing and I thought I'd share what I have taken from these past few months.
As some of you may know, my dad is also my gardener.
When I moved into this house, seven years ago, the garden wasn't really looking up to much. He removed all the membrane that was covering the beds, and it's had some transitional phases - the beds have got bigger in places!
All my Facebook friends have complimented me on my garden, and I've always said I can't take the credit.
In some ways, even this year, I still can't It is what is is due to the past years of gardening.
Entering its eight summer, as we went into lockdown, I had to take over the garden. Dad left me jobs to do, that he would usually have done, maybe more for my sanity than anything, still calling in occasionally on a Friday when I was at work to do the bigger jobs.
Because we didn't have a cold winter, I rescued some bedding plants in case I couldn't get hold of any.
Between me and my son we've been mowing the lawns (front and back). I actually like mowing the lawn!
During Easter we painted the fences, without Grandad to rally us!
Then, we've had these freakishly lovely days of summer sunshine! So I've been watering and keeping on top of the pots.
Anyway, I've come to find time to tend my garden. Before or after dinner I've pottered; to cut back dead heads, plant up any plants, etc. and water them! I especially make time at the weekend, too.
I've purchased new patio furniture I desperately needed and treated myself to a new chimnea - which I built all by myself!
I've always appreciated my garden, (and gardens generally) but I've never been too involved in the actual gardening. This year I've had to, and I've loved it.
Not only has it probably helped with my fitness, because you're walking about the garden, grabbing lots of vitamin D from the sunshine, it's actually helped with my mental wellbeing too.
So, I'm going to try to take more responsibility for my garden from now on, (with Dad to assist when I need him.)
