Nurtured with Nature

Today’s garden update is going to be about nurturing yourself and spending time in the great outdoors. For me the biggest benefit isn’t the literal fruits of our labor

It’s the time spent outside in the sunshine and touching the earth.

It's also finding beauty in so many things, even a wasp and a mothy looking butterfly.

When you learn to appreciate those little things it opens you up to so many more wonderful life experiences. The gratitude to be part of this spinning ball in the universe makes all those moments count. That means getting outside to smell the roses, feel the wind in your face, the sand between the toes. Because when you get to do that you feel like you're on top of the world and isn't that basically what living life to the fullest means?

Climate Change

Since I'm in a change mood I want to talk about climate change this week. I think wherever you are you have seen some effects. Drought, intense electrical storms, heat waves. I for one was not happy that I had to water the garden, I rely on mother nature (and a little dehumidifier water) to do it for me.

I have a feeling this type of weather is going to be the norm. Of course the bad effects  will also be the norm: crop failures, wild fires, flash floods, etc. I have to selfishly admit that not all climate change is bad - I know, go ask the people on the Carteret Islands,  Tuvalu  and the Maldives - the mild winter and exceptional spring we had this year made it our garden's most prolific yet. We already have ripe tomatoes

The one major effect of climate change is that it forces humans to adapt. Change is scary and exhilarating at the same time. I like change because  it's  a great excuse to look at alternatives you might have never considered or thought possible. Let's face it, change can be another word for growth.

Fall on the Mind

Yesterday I spent the day weeding and going through my seeds. I took an inventory of what I have that's gone to seed and started to collect the seeds. 

borage seeds

We have radish seeds, borage seeds, pea seeds, collards seeds, kale seeds and calendula seeds. I've also already collected sage and spinach seeds.

calendula seeds

I love the feeling of knowing that I planted something and it has given me more abundance than just the fruit.

radish pods

Although this Yarrow was given to me by another gardener my intention is to spread it around other corners of the yard.

golden yarrow

This brings me to the gist of my post, I know we're still in July and just coming off of a heat wave (apparently one that broke several heat records) but I'm really thinking about the fall. I'm starting to plan my fall planting. While this isn't the first time I try to plant for fall, this will be the first time that I try to be organized about it.

So I cleared out a few spots and now I have to do a bit of research to see when and what goes in. So far I know that my peas can go back in late July or early August. I wonder if the fall greens can go in then, we have plenty of kale and collard seeds to test it out. Also my large Italian chard is going to seed so I will be collecting those soon. Hopefully it will be as easy as collecting the spinach seeds.

I have also decided that I won't buy any more echinacea seeds since I should be able to gather them myself

Ditto for my beloved zinnias

The change in the season will not only bring a new crop but will also bring a new lifestyle for me.  A new path on my journey that I am very excited about. 

Sometimes we need a little help from our friends

It's true, sometimes we really do need a little help from our friends.

When was the last time you asked someone for help? I'm guilty of thinking I can do it all myself. Yes it's great to be self sufficient and there are times when you need to stand on your own two feet. What I'm talking about is those moments when you need to admit that you need help, you may think it makes you weak, not so! I say. Knowing when to ask for help is what makes you strong strong strong!

The next time you are feeling that you can't get everything done, don't. Don't feel guilty, don't feel like a failure and don't wait for a helping hand to fall from the sky. Speak up and ask for help, whether it's asking your kids to put away the groceries, your husband to clear the dinner dishes or your coworker their opinion on an important presentation, ask.

The best part is that it's a win-win situation, you will get the support you need and you will make someone feel special. Don't believe me? How did you feel the last time you were able to help someone? I thought so...