Welcome to April. This April is probably going to be the most unusual and stressful April we have lived through in our lives – it seems everything is in flux with the Covid19 virus, our work, lives, families, health, movement restrictions and our daily schedules. Our gardens can offer immediate balance and calm during these times, on many levels.
Gardens in April are usually at peak or approaching it, though well-designed gardens should hold interest for many months. On top of that, the typical April weather beckons all to step outdoors and frequently. Sit and point your face into the warm sun (don’t forget your sunscreen), close your eyes, breathe deeply — it does miracles. Or you might have your own relaxation routine, or see one online, that will so much better outdoors.
With the spread of the virus, our lives are changing in unprecedented ways. But our gardens and landscapes will still be here for us. Our homes and home gardens will be the most immediate sources of refuge — whether it is a couple of pots on a deck or small or expansive yard space. Gardening is a healthful, creative activity in the open air, with the added sense of comfort, refuge, and security. You can create a calming, generous space. Many of the simple, repetitive “chores” of gardening, weeding, dead-heading, shaping, tidying up and so forth, for all their reputation as being “work,” are great at calming the mind, focusing attention, and providing peace and the sense of a job well done. Feeling like, in our small way, we are creating a more beautiful, productive universe helps combat the feeling of a world out of our control.
Planting is perhaps the most potent gardening experience; it embodies a sense of hope for the future. While we need to be aware of the dry spring, and the prospect of water restrictions to come, planting is giving roots to our optimistic natures. It doesn’t have to be much, a few favorite bedding plants, some California native plant that may bring pollinators and butterflies, or a fruit or vegetable you’ve wanted to grow – it is an emotional investment, that reconnects you to the Earth, your home and community. If you can’t get live plants, you may be able to order seeds for home delivery online.
With the extra time many of us will have being home, why not make what you have the best it’s ever been. Try doing things in your garden that maybe you put off because you “didn’t have the time” before. Grow your plants from seed and observe the miracle of germination and development. Prune those shrubs that always seemed hopeless, or weed that focal bed that just seemed like too big a project. Start of a vegetable garden if you don’t have one.
A tip for folks new to gardening, or “lazy” gardeners, set priorities and break up chores into manageable, enjoyable time units. This will help you feel focused and satisfied, maybe even proud of what you did rather than thinking, “I’ll never get this done, this is hopeless.” Start small and build up as you gain confidence. Even one container alive with flowers can bring joy.
For families at home, build a set time for gardening for you, your partner and children. Everybody focused on even a small landscape chore will get it done fast. By the end of a week, you can stand back and actually see the difference this focus had. And for those who routinely garden, try something new. We may never have this chance again to spend so much time on our yards — plant some “fun” or odd plants that will make you smile. Children love tall towering plants like sunflowers, love-lies-bleeding, scarlet runner beans in teepees, etc. Or get back to those deferred maintenance items. This is the perfect time to be meticulous — do that dead-heading, or hand prune your hedges rather than using power tools. We will still get a sense of sanctuary and peace from a casually maintained garden, but the satisfaction that comes from it looking fabulous is priceless.
The Covid crisis has shut down many businesses, including Planet Horticulture. Employee layoffs are heartbreaking and widespread. Consider providing ongoing support to your gardeners and related support people while they are unable to support you and need help to support themselves. Perhaps a phone consult might help you and your garden or plant. Eventually, we will get past this and rebuild it together.
Gardening makes it easy to practice social distancing while achieving something that affects the quality of life for you and your family. Involve your family members if they are looking for something to do. You can also interact with your neighbors – from a distance. Ask for plants or offer plants and produce to your gardening neighbors — these can readily be accepted or provided safely – wash any shared surfaces. While our traditional supplies of gardening materials — plants, tools, supplements, etc. have been reduced, hopefully, some plant nurseries will be able to stay open as well as online sources.
Love your home and be kind.
by Roger Raiche David McCrory, Planet Horticulture