As we sit in our favorite nook, sipping on a cup of our favorite, we longingly and lovingly flip through our seed catalogs dreaming of the possibilities of our imagined growing season. One thing I desire is to grow something new to me.
This year I have picked a new variety of tomato, and a zinnia flower. In my mind’s eye I can visualize strolling through my garden picking that juicy tomato and bundling up a bouquet. I have the desire to see my garden come to life. Not only for my enjoyment, but for the joy of sharing with others.
A prolonged desire to truly pick a tomato and gather flowers is a factor that will bring me closer to the garden I want to experience. However, there are steps that need to be taken to set my desired outcome up for success.
I have to organize my time, start seeds, nurture seedlings, plant, weed, nurture some more, and fight the elements. If my desire continues to move me toward my projected outcome, I will experience a growing season that allows my garden and me to grow.
Now the growing season may require me to change tactics, and my garden may not look exactly like I had planned. I may even lose a few battles in the garden. Nonetheless, what I initially desired can take root, and sustain me throughout the gardening season. It may even be better than I expected.
As you plan your garden, consider the following four tips to help grow your desired outcome.
- Time and ability – Think about the type of garden you would like to have. Do you have a plot in a community garden, a garden plot at your home, do you foodscape your yard, or use pots on a patio to grow your garden? Each type of gardening takes time and ability. All types are worth your time and offer something for everyone. I like to sketch out the layout of my garden. Especially, if I am going to bring new elements into the garden. I am not an artist, but I draw out my desired garden plans for myself and as a way to journal my garden experience.
- Resources – Each garden requires an investment. Think about the type of equipment you may need. Dream about what you want to grow, but narrow it down to what you know you want to eat and enjoy. There are so many possibilities. Years ago, I grew basic veggies and then fell in love with herbs and their usefulness. Then along came my love for flowers and the incredible way they brighten my garden. Choose wisely my friend to avoid overspending.
- Work – Each garden requires your sweat investment, but if you like playing in the dirt like me it will not feel like work. However, it is fun to draw others into the garden to lend a helping hand. I have had friends, children, grandchildren over to help me in my garden. I try to make it worth their wild. Food and flowers, and ice cream cones work a bit of magic.
- Battles – Insects, wildlife, and weather can be unpredictable. Even my best efforts of planting beneficial plants, paring plants, staking plants, staying on top of weeds, mulching like my life depended on it, harvesting at the correct time, utilizing natural items to fight off pests, and watching the weather. Sometimes I lose a dahlia plant, beetles get to my zucchini before I do, and a storm comes along a lays a pepper plant flat. Or an unexpected health issue arises, and the garden is left a bit neglected. Do not despair! Look for the good in the garden. You will find it. Journal your garden journey, you might be surprised at all the growth you experienced.
We can find parallels in our gardening work to our faith journey. Just as we desire a beautiful and luscious garden, God desires our faithfulness. God calls us to have faithful obedience that moves us to follow through. Believe that your garden plans, life plans, and unspoken hopes, can honor God. Absorb thoroughly all that God desires for you and how you can use your garden to serve others.
For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 2 Corinthians 9:10
