Life changes quickly and often – that’s just the joy and challenge of being alive. Going with the ebb and flow is sometimes difficult, but learning to do so is one of the most important things that I strive for. I’m not always successful, but when I am, life is much more pleasant.
I moved this past weekend, leaving behind my nearly two acres of yard, which I had cultivated into multiple garden beds and vegetable beds. If I’m honest, I have to say the maintenance of everything had gotten to be too much for me. Life and work had gotten busy and I was unable to keep the weeds at bay or even pick up all of the sticks that fell down each rainstorm.
In spite of this, leaving behind all of my beautiful flowers and lovingly designed landscaping was challenging. Just walking through the yard and looking at what was blooming or what critters I might find brought me joy. Many of the plants that I selected were native and/or produced some type of wildlife food or provided habitat. As a result, there were always owls, hummingbirds, bats, songbirds, butterflies, bees and other critters around the yard. As I was moving out – I even had a speckled king snake resting across my front door step. I fear what will become of the habitat that I created. But I have no control over it, so I have to just let it be.
Photos of the gardens at the old house:
As I worked to pack boxes in preparation for the move, I took slow walks through the gardens and picked out which plants to take with me. I couldn’t take a lot with me, but I would take some of the harder to find plants and those that were my favorites.
In the end, I selected those that made me happy or that I thought would be less appealing to someone not familiar with native plants. I formed two full-sun beds in the front yard of my new house and one shade bed in the back. It was a lot of work to move everything, but I am so glad I did. Watching the plants settle in and carefully tending them until their roots establish has been relaxing during the craze of moving. And it makes the new house feel more like MY home.
As I moved into my new home, I spotted a fawn in the back yard one day and a small red-shouldered hawk the next. I heard owls calling at night. It was as if they were telling me that I could begin again and create a smaller semblance of the grand scheme that I once had. And it would be a size that I could handle, one that didn’t burden me but became a joy to work in again.
I am looking forward to what may come and letting go of what has been.
Photos of the start of the new gardens:
My gardening friend,
I just finished reading your blog. I know what you are feeling. Four years ago I had moved from a house where I had lived for 10 years. Even though we had downsized, I did take some plants with me to the house where I am curently living. And now again, we contemplating downsizing even more – perhaps next summer, to a 2 bedroom apartment. Such a move would eliminate snow shoveling or plowing, house maintenance, and the extra costs like property taxes, association dues, etc. Like you, things are becoming too much to take care of. Time will tell. Anyway, good luck in your new home.
Jane – I’m sorry, but I don’t know your first name.
Jane, Thank you for leaving your comment – it meant a lot to me and really moved me. – Kathy
Kathy, I also left a beautiful garden about 9 yrs ago. Unfortunately I couldn’t bring much of anything as our house had not been built and it wasn’t finished until winter. I do know what you are going through, but how wonderful to be able to bring your plants to your new home. And the critters are already welcoming you!
Thanks Donna! I have traveled across the country a couple of times with some of my favorite plants in pots. It’s always hard to leave them behind, but it’s amazing to watch as the new gardens grow and it really helps a new place feel like home.