It’s June in the garden, and there is a lot in the works. The summer heat is on, and the tomatoes, squash, and sunflowers are reaching for the sky. There is so much that needs doing in the garden. Transplanting veggie starts, adding drip lines to a new “Navajo” blackberry and Loganberry bush that I somehow found a spot for, and pruning fruit trees so I can walk through the garden without getting slapped in the face. When I walk past the “Beauty” plum tree, I pick off a few more unripe fruits to thin the branch and hopefully keep it from breaking under the weight of the quickly swelling fruit. The house plants dry out quicker due to the heat and low humidity, so they need attention more frequently, too. Just as things feel like they are humming along in a state of controlled chaos, life throws me a curve ball. Vacation! Oh no! Now that things were just getting under control, I have to leave the house. How will things carry on without me? This happens every year. We put all this time and effort in the garden from late winter through Spring, and then my wife makes me leave it. I think she does it on purpose. I object, often strongly, but in the end I acquiesce and go along. The 48 hours before we leave always involves a garden check-list that seems unending, and my stress level is through the roof (while my wife and daughter loudly announce that we’re running late and go wait in the car for me to finish last minute “to-do’s”).
But inevitably, as we drive away from the house, there is a feeling of relief. I’ve done all I can do. The rest is up to nature. I’m reminded that plants actually grow by themselves (with a little help from an automatic drip system). With some hand-watering, aphid squashing and a watchful eye, I helped put some things in motion, and now things get to run a little wild and do what comes naturally. And while I’m gone, and my days are structured quite differently (much less tending to the worm compost while I’m on vacation), I notice that I see life through different eyes. I think of different things, and do things that I wouldn’t usually do when wrapped up in a busy work, family, and gardening life.
I think it’s a good reminder for all of us. We can get really involved and wrapped-up in work, or in a big project. Sometimes it’s stressful and less than fun (like for many people, their job) and other times it is fun but perhaps a little overwhelming (like the summer garden). We can really put our hearts and souls into our jobs and past-times. But every once in a while, it is a good idea to step away. Clear the calendar. Put away the to-do list. Take a deep breath, and relax.
Happy growing this month, and thanks for reading.
(this post was first published for the June issue of the Love.Life Telehealth newsletter)
Jeffrey M Pierce, MD 