My Green Thumb Diaries
How to Garden Bougie Brunette Style
I recently was asked for tips to help someone with their garden, and for a moment, I felt completely unqualified. But then I realized I've managed to keep a thing or two alive for quite some time—like my beloved African violets, thriving for about a decade now, and my resilient garden that faithfully returns stronger each year. Clearly, I must be doing something right! After all, nothing brings me joy quite like playing in the dirt and visiting my plant friends.
Gardens, much like anything we cherish, truly flourish when nurtured with attention, patience, and a gentle touch. I've found that spending intentional time in my garden—watching, observing, and yes, even talking to my plants—creates a deeply fulfilling bond. Whether you believe plants sense our presence or not, there’s no denying the joy of having these quiet companions in our daily lives. (Personally, I chat daily with Monsieur Olivier, my indoor olive tree—he’s an exceptional listener, though I suspect it's more about the extra dose of carbon dioxide he appreciates!)
1. Spend Quality Time
Think of gardening as building a relationship. Observing your plants closely lets you recognize their unique needs—more sunlight, less water, or perhaps a different spot entirely. Regular visits help you spot issues early and foster a deeper connection to your green companions.
2. Know Your Limits
We've all been there—enthusiastically buying seeds and plants, only to later realize we've overestimated our space or time. Before you head to the garden store, take a realistic inventory of your garden space and consider what you can truly manage. If you've inherited an established garden, give yourself at least one growing season to see what's already thriving before introducing new varieties.
3. Doodle, Sketch, and Keep Track
One invaluable habit I've developed is sketching a simple map of my garden beds each season. Trust me, you might think you'll remember where you planted everything—but surprises happen! (I once completely forgot about my garlic bulbs and was delightfully surprised by their spring appearance.) Keep updating your sketches as your garden evolves.
4. Garden Journaling: Lessons and Triumphs
I highly recommend keeping a gardening journal. Note what thrived, what struggled, and any delightful discoveries or disappointing outcomes. Each year, returning to these notes helps inform decisions and sparks joy when recalling past successes (and even the occasional gardening misadventure!).
5. Establish a Watering Routine
Just like us, plants need water to stay alive and healthy. Keep your plants turgid and thriving by sticking to a regular watering schedule. Personally, I carve out moments each night before bed (weather permitting, of course—no watering needed if it has rained or rain is expected). Establishing a consistent routine helps avoid neglect or overwatering, but remember to water early or later in the day to avoid the scorching heat—you definitely don't want to boil your precious plants!
Gardening, at its heart, is about cultivating more than just plants—it's about creating a nurturing space that provides peace, joy, and a little personal therapy. So here's to tending our gardens with love, patience, and perhaps a good conversation or two. Happy gardening, darlings!
