Achievement Through Creation

In the movie, "Castaway," Tom Hanks' character struggles to the point of frustration to build a fire without matches. Once he finally gets it, he builds a huge bonfire on the beach and dances around it, yelling to the cosmos, "Look what I have created. Me! I have made fire!" I guess we all get a thrill out of accomplishing something we've never done before — never even thought about, really... especially if it takes multiple tries. "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again," right?  

Less than 10 years ago, I would have opted for a root canal rather than do gardening. I've had some experience with it in my younger days, and I can't say that I had fond memories of those times. It's hard, it makes me sweat, it ruins my nails, it's hard, it's dirty, efforts can be ruined by weather or animals, it's hard, there are bugs and it's hard. Besides, I had no idea how to do it, and I didn't want to know, for reasons just stated. 

Except for a brief period when I thought a good housewife kept a kitchen garden, I've managed to sidestep all chores and responsibilities related to gardening and/or yardwork. And, then, I bought a house. <sigh> I thought it was what grownups did to live up to the original ideal of the American Dream... a home and hearth that is a private three-dimensional canvas of self expression. Unfortunately, in most single family homes, it comes with a yard. OK, so I'm going to have to mow. With every achievement, there must be sacrifice. No problem.

And, then, you realize you are part of a community. You are only a piece of the whole and the whole would very much like to maintain, if not increase, their property values. I really wanted my neighbors to like me. That's when it hit me... this is going to require more than a quick pass with a lawn mower every month to sever the tops of the dandelion puffs. Damn. 

Fast forward 10 years. My private canvas of expression now extends to my yard. And, after about three years of miserable failure, I'm finally at the point that Tom Hanks' character was. I walk outside my house now, thinking to myself, "I created this. Me! I made a garden." Who knew being on my knees, getting dirt under my fingernails, salty sweat in my eyes, dirt in my damp hair and stooping over until my back and hips screamed mercy would be so rewarding? 

I had a little problem at first with the waiting a whole year to see if my efforts paid off which, quite frankly, they did not. Boomers pretty much set the standard on instant gratification, after all. But, I came to view the expectation of seeing the results of my efforts each year as part of setting life goals, as in I need to stay alive for another year to find out whether I screwed up or not. I think that attitude may come in pretty handy since I've passed the threshold of 60. 

So, here's a few pictures of my efforts. Keep in mind, I'm strictly a novice, but I'm catching on. 

My biggest challenge is always the rock garden. After multiple tries, I completely re-landscaped it this year, to give it a more balanced look and feel.


In the past, I've been extremely limited on what I could plant in this space, because the trees blocked the amount of sun plants could get. However, I had the trees trimmed extensively, opening up possibilities, although I still had to stay with shade-tolerant plants. 

Lily of the Valley

Choosing a wide array of plants was crucial to learn what worked well and what didn't. Hostas were a given, as were coleius. I also made the decision to stay with a color theme of rusty red, forest green and white, which matches the colors of my cottage home.

Gardens with a riot of colors are nice, but I wanted something that looked randomly natural, like a forest floor. Besides flowers require sun, which is very limited. 

The arrowhead-shaped stone at the base of the tree is special. I plan to paint it with the colors of my hometown NFL team, the Kansas City Chiefs. I just don't want to mess it up, so any and all suggestions for doing that are welcome! 



The other garden is more conventional. Since it gets lots of morning/early afternoon sun, I have the option of including flowering plants. However, I've learned that a full-time career requires me to be selective, and I've chosen plants that are hearty and require very little maintenance... mostly gerbera daisies, petunias, geraniums and begonias, with alyssum for the border. The hostas are like trusted friends... they show up each year, better and stronger than the year before. And, hanging baskets add simple beauty to any porch.

Hosta

It's an evolving process from which I gain inspiration, learn patience and am able to feel artistic. It only took me 60 years to find a creative hobby that I can proudly share with the world. And, my neighbors like me. That makes it all worthwhile. 

Caladium