Month: June 2021

chronic illness, garden, gratitude, Health, life, mental health, MS

Garden Tour – May 2021

Amanda, walkamyelinmyshoes

Well, hello there! It’s been… a while, to say the least. The blogging and writing has been overtaken by the garden. It keeps me busy and (mostly) out of trouble but doesn’t leave a lot of time for other pursuits like writing. But that’s a positive, as it keeps me moving – “Motion is Lotion”, as one of my favourite MSers loves to say.

It has certainly been a peaceful and hopeful place to spend time during the pandemic, and I am grateful for that every single day. The pictures really don’t do it justice, and things are just starting to come together after years of redesigning and refiguring, but I hope you can experience even a fraction of the joy that I find here every day.

Much more interesting than the sloped lawn that was here when we moved in.
Twelve years later and the beds have finally stopped moving. 😀
  • do you see her?
Our driftwood ‘tree’ is a favourite climbing post for the cat but is sadly getting a bit wobbly as it slowly decays. Smudge could get quite the surprise one day soon!
  • our Tiki in “The Outback”
    (get it?)
  • the artichoke finally found a happy home
  • the current pond lol
  • lilies will bloom soon!
  • bachelor buttons and cosmos from seed are taking their time
  • morning coffee spot
    (ugly TEMPORARY pallet fence keeping the deer out)
view from the bottom of the garden where we mostly sit

The Working Garden – The Vegetables

As you see, I like to mix it up and stuff many different vegetables into a container or raised bed. I’m not sure it’s the most efficient or productive method but I like the variation. Not only does working in the garden keep me physically and mentally healthy, growing our own food has been a huge factor in getting my symptoms under control.

The Orchard – apples, lemon, kiwi, onions, radishes, kale and kohlrabi
  • potatoes, garlic, onions, lettuce
  • lettuce, spinach, garlic, onions, carrots
  • cucumbers, dill, garlic, tomatoes, basil
  • cucumbers, chard, lettuce, scallions and zucchini
  • peas, beets, garlic, lovage, comfrey
  • garlic, leeks, kale, lettuce
  • broad beans, blueberries, garlic, leeks and monster calendula
cucumbers, beans, dill, celery, cherry tomatoes, peppers and potatoes
  • onions
  • onions everywhere!
  • carrots, broccoli, onions, garlic
  • cabbage, garlic, onions, kohlrabi, chives, radishes
  • radishes, onions, scallions, kohlrabi, carrots, beans and potatoes
  • potatoes
  • garlic, peas, lettuce, onions, cilantro, sweet Thai basil
  • Greenhouse peppers and watermelon
  • Greenhouse Roma tomatoes and peppers
  • outside tomatoes are much smaller

Gardening is a lot of work, and can become overwhelming if it gets away from you. I’m very lucky that my husband and I share the passion and the work. Adding a chronic illness to the mix can make it seem impossible on some days, with crushing fatigue, dizziness, pain and brain fog making the simplest tasks insurmountable. Those are the days to rest and enjoy, meditate and reflect.

Just like housework, the weeds will always be there and there is always more to do than time to do it. But that’s a gift. And, like everything in life, it’s all about perspective and what you choose to focus on. On my good days, I move slowly, take lots of breaks and hydrate constantly. On my bad days, I focus on what’s blooming, what’s growing well, and the overall beauty of the garden. There is always something to appreciate.

Wishing you peace, love, hope and joy, today and every day.

Amanda

P.S. It’s always interesting to see the changes from year to year. So, here’s the May Tour from 2020. Also the Vegetable Tour.