Reflections on Gardening and Mothering, plus 5 Features to Add to your Garden!
As I roamed my yard this week after a fresh rainfall, I admired all the prettiness unfurling from it’s long winter nap. The birds were chirping, happy with their easily acquired breakfast in the driveway and the fragrance of sweet smelling spring flowers filled the air. I began to ponder on the idea that gardening is very similar to motherhood…
Year after year, you add something here, weed something there, move a perennial to a new spot where it will thrive better and add a bush for a structural backdrop. Once in awhile you achieve a big accomplishment…add a patio or deck, or build a fence, or create a whole new garden focal point. But most years, it’s just little things.
And after quite a few years, you take a look around and think…this garden/yard is looking pretty good! (Well, maybe it’s been 15 years…)
And motherhood is kinda the same. Year after year you work on manners, being kind, nursing when sick, help with homework, drive…endlessly. And then you look up and admire this beautiful person standing before you.
And you realize all the work, time, energy and money spent was so worth it.
Because planting and nurturing faithfully and consistently through the years produces a harvest of beauty, both in horticulture and humanity.
And the task is never really complete. Because gardening and mothering doesn’t stop when maturity occurs. Life still throws storms, drought and other hindrances our way and we need to keep checking, monitoring for health and vitality of our precious possessions.
Yes, I know I’m a little late for Mother’s Day, but guess having my firstborn turn 21 and having my second out of three graduate from high school, I’m feeling a little wistful since it’s been raining all week.
But rain does make for beautiful garden pictures!
What are you going to add to your garden this year? Some of the old fashioned flowers I’ve added through the years in the pics above?
Here are some other ideas to add pretty layers…
Yep, I’ve got one of the vintage metal lawn chairs that I picked up in my “Curbside Junking Adventures and Tips”{Here}, all sanded up! Now to finish it’s twin and to give them a coat of outdoor poly.
Picked this cutie up that same day. And we love it’s gentle turning as the wind blows.
Because structure in the garden just adds so much!
And the sound of trickling water is soothing to the soul.
And of course, adding your vintage treasures to the garden is always a good thing!
Maybe you’ve got plans to plant a whole new garden this year, like we did a year ago. You can catch some glimpses of how it looks in bloom in my post, “Squirreling Away” {Here}.
Don’t think we lost anything through the winter, which is always good. But think I may add some pots of annuals for some continuous color before the big grad party day.
Hope you’re encouraged if you’re a mother, and if you’re a gardener! And if you’re both, then this post is a two-for-one deal!
Get your green thumb on and get out there and plant and nurture!
Sharing at these lovely parties:
This is so true. Our children grow and bloom and are far better than we even imagine they can be. Then we have grandchildren and it just keeps on multiplying. When they were little we certainly had a few doubts that they would even make it,lol! I love your concept of using a flower garden.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, Marlene! I had fun writing it;)
What a beautiful post! Being an empty nester, I took this post to heart. The time ticks away too quickly and the next thing you know they have their own full lives and your left staring at an empty room. Motherhood really is like tending to a beautiful garden. Thank you for the reminder.
Thanks for your heartfelt comment, Marie.:) It’s hard to realize when you’re in the thick of toddlers & schoolagers, but the years do go by so fast. Drink it up and enjoy!
Your gardens are just beautiful, Lora, as are your thoughts on growing things–gardens and children 🙂 Thanks for sharing your posts with us at Vintage Charm!
Thanks, Diana! Always enjoy your party; such gracious hostesses!