To start, I hope everyone is doing well. We are dealing with an unusual situation; one most of us have never had to experience before.
It has taken me a bit to wrap my head around the whole thing and I have decided to take advantage of the down time. Well, the little down time I will actually have that is.
My part-time job as a library assistant is still there, although we are no longer allowed to have our doors open to the public. We will still be proceeding with cleaning of shelves, weeding of books, getting craft kits ready, and doing inventory. Yes, I think we will be busy for awhile yet.
As spring is finally here (well, the calendar says it is) it’s time to start thinking about the garden. Keeping a supply of fresh fruit and veggies on hand will be easier when we are able to grow our own. I’m impatiently waiting for the snow to melt so I can start building my greenhouse, build some raised beds, and mark out the areas for the fire pit, arbors, and flower gardens.
There’s just something about working out in the garden. No matter what is going on in the world around us, the garden offers peace and tranquility. I am fortunate to live in an area with few people around. I consider us blessed to have the peace and quiet so many others only dream of.
Whether you live in the country or the city, now is the time to start getting your garden ready. If it is still covered in snow, there are still things you can do. One of them is to go to your local grocery or hardware store and buy your seeds, some potting soil and containers to plant your seeds in. I did a one-stop shop at our local hardware store yesterday and spent almost $100.00 on seeds, soil, mini greenhouses, and peat packs.
Image Copyright Diane Ziomek 2020
I know it may seem like a lot, but when I don’t have to go into town for fresh fruit and vegetables, I will have recouped the cost in food and fuel. And saving money is why many people start a garden in the first place.
This has been an unusual year to say the least. More people are working from home, simply because they don’t have a choice. I think that’s not a bad thing for most, as there are more opportunities to take small breaks to stretch, get some water, and have a healthy snack.
Whether you live out in the country or in an apartment, you can still take advantage of the benefits of gardening. Fresh produce, being more active, and just enjoying the process of growing your own food amid the chaos of our current situation.
It is even more important at this time to stay healthy. Get plenty of rest, utilize the technology available to stay in touch with family and friends (physical distancing), drink plenty of water, keep active, and eat as much homegrown fruit and vegetables as possible. Plus, don’t forget to take the mental break needed as well. We should all come out of this with better habits and healthier bodies if we make the changes necessary at this point.
As I get ready for gardening season, I will be counting my blessings. No matter what’s going on in the world I have my garden to offer peace and tranquility. I’ll be posting pictures as the weeks go on of my progress in my gardening journey, and I would love for you to do the same. I now have a Facebook Page where you are free to post pictures of your seedlings, plants, gardens, and even your houseplants. With physical distancing in force it’s even more important to remain in contact with others via texting, video messaging or the telephone.
Lets all do our part in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and find peace amid the chaos.
What are you doing to stay healthy and safe?
You are getting to live out every gardeners dream of being able to design your yard and garden spaces and layout from the beginning because of your brand new location. You are not having to adopt someone else’s ill-thoughtout yard or garden spot…and after experiencing life in your new location you are able to ascertain the lay if the land and have seen how things grow naturally in this location or in that area of your plot of land and that gives you a leg up on designing and planning your yard. A suggestion, if I may be so bold…periodic progress reports of the planning and designing and implementation along with sketches and a simple directional compass on your sketches would make for some more interesting reads… (as if you didn’t have enough on your hands!!! Just don’t delete me if this is a crazy idea!!! LOL!!!)
I’m already a step ahead of you. I am in the process of documenting my progress, which started with my seeds. Some will be posted, but the rest will be kept under wraps until my new guide is finished. 🙂
I’ve been planning out my greenhouse location and style, and have it narrowed down. Now if only the snow would melt so I can get to my materials. 😞