Starting Over

Category: Life Changes | Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:44 pm

First off, I haven't been posting because I have been in a funk of sorts for quite some time and didn't want to put any negative moods off on anyone else. Having said that, I am back and plan on staying.

Life has certainly changed during the last two years. I am now at a point that seems kind of like starting over. It has drawbacks at our age, however, it can be a great opportunity to create a new life, break old habits and start new ones.

I have done a lot of reflecting back, looking forward, been at times at what seemed like a stand-still and now feel like I can start moving forward. Life is not what we have or don't have but what we do with what we do have. When I am feeling unmotivated I usually come to gardenstew and read, even tho I haven't posted in a long time, I read here often. It is inspiring and helps remind me that some of the best things we can experience are not even tangible. It's the love of life, appreciation of nature, sharing with fiends and just an attitude of gratitude in general.

Now for the gardening aspect of my future. I have 1 acre. I have a group of trees about 40 feet from the home. I started last fall trimming some of the lower branches so I can walk under them. I also have a very low spot amongst the trees that is not a pond but hoping I can create one there. It holds water quite well as the soil here is mostly clay.

Which brings me to my gardening problems. I found out last summer that things don't grow well in clay (at least the vegetables if tried) So I have a lot of research and soil conditioning to do. I plan on starting in one area at a time and am going to make some raised beds this spring. I also have to start a compost pile. More research... as I have never been able to get one to heat up.

We also have problems with water standing, not only because of the clay but also due to the lay of the land. Needless to say we need to do some work to get the water to flow out of the yard and hopefully into my "pond".(Did I mention that my back yard is a skating rink when it freezes! One good solid fall can lay you up for a couple of weeks.)

So even tho it is going to be a lot of work, I am more than ready to begin as soon as weather permits. It took me quite a while to get through the grief of leaving my last home behind. However, I am over it! The time I spent wishing I had it back was time wasted for moving forward. A beautiful garden is something to behold but working and building it is so rewarding. It is always a work in progress but I still can't wait to see some results.

I plan on taking pictures and tracking my progress as things begin to take shape and change. Since I left most of my treasures (garden junk) behind I get to start collecting again!

My first endeavor is going to grow potatoes in straw. I will have to build a trough so the drainage will be sufficient but it looks like a fun project.
Well, it is nice to be back and look forward to being involved again.

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Comments

glendann wrote on Mon Jan 25, 2010 11:31 pm:

Hello DesertFlower.Welcome Home.It is so good to see you.I'm sorry you haven't been here.I truly have missed you..I'm so glad you are back for good .

daisybeans wrote on Tue Jan 26, 2010 2:13 am:

DesertFlower is such a neat name -- conjours up images of just what you were describing -- blooms despite a challenging environment. I can't wait to see how your projects turn out. Thinking about walking under your trees sounds so peaceful...

desertflower wrote on Tue Jan 26, 2010 3:24 am:

Thanks ..both of you. I actually picked my name when I lived in the arizona desert, but I love what you said about it daisybeans. glendann thanks for missing me, just proves I am right about this site and friends!

Jewell wrote on Tue Jan 26, 2010 10:10 am:

So glad you are back. Your blog touched me before and I admire your ability to keep on being positive. Hope you will be able to post some before and after pictures as you work that clay soil into loam.

"When I am feeling unmotivated I usually come to gardenstew and read,.... It is inspiring and helps remind me that some of the best things we can experience are not even tangible. It's the love of life, appreciation of nature, sharing with fiends and just an attitude of gratitude in general." I find your words very true and appreciate your sharing.