Sometimes I feel like I’m a bit obsessed to the point that it’s adversely impacting other areas of my life and/or my mental health.
I daydream about how to “wind down” or step away from spending so much (any?) time with the garden/orchard.
But I don’t get very far - I can’t figure out the steps to actually do this.
All I see in my minds eye is dead plants and weeds/brush galore - an eyesore where my attempted Eden used to be.
Anyone grappled with this and have advice? I’d say “has anyone succeeded?” But then you probably wouldn’t be reading this if so
I’ve gotten used to folks not talking about plants. I get defiant on my mistakes and losses. If something does not grow the first season; I will take another run at it next season…lol
Also, injury will work. A few years ago, I popped an Achilles tendon in late August. I was on my back for ~6 weeks and really not fit for yard work for ~4 months. Everything I grew experienced almost total neglect. My daughter-in-law watered and picked the figs, but otherwise nada.
Tonight will be the first night in 5 days that I’ve gotten to be in my garden/orchard in the daylight. This year has been way too busy and I’ve had to let certain things go undone. My orchard has yet to be mowed. There are whole rows in my garden that haven’t been planted, and I don’t even have the seed in hand yet. And all that’s OK.
There are lots of good things going on too. I’ve got more perennial flowers blooming than ever before. There more fruit on trees and shrubs than any previous year. Hard work from years past is delivering now.
We need to keep everything in it’s proper place. Most of us aren’t growing food for survival or our living. If it’s adding too much stress, then it’s time to dial it back a notch. I still have to remind myself of this when I see all the work that needs done. Still, with all that needs done, with weeds trying to creep in, and a small greenhouse that looks like a jungle inside, the garden/orchard is a sight for sore eyes and a place to relax, if I’ll just let myself.
Truth if ever there was. Learning to appreciate the beauty amongst the chaos and appreciate the fact that we can enjoy some fruit even in sub-optimal conditions is a great benefit. Even a slightly unkempt row of grapes is a beautiful sight compared to bare lawn. Some time after a long day’s work I’ll just go look at my plants for a while. Sure, I could see the loads of work to do and be stressed, but I choose to notice the beauty of new leaves and grapes forming their clusters.
Not that this is actual advice as many of you are beyond this point; but for me having kid(s). I still really enjoy my garden, and caring for my plants but this year is by far the least time I’ve spent with them, and they are fine. Established plants/trees have a way of taking care of themselves, the same as established people can. Getting both of them established is the work. My point is, you likely don’t NEED to spend obsessive time on it, or thinking about it. Because it will manage itself well enough. I however love spending time in the garden and it’s good for me, however I haven’t added many new things since the child has come along and I don’t foresee adding anything anytime soon.
I got to tell you guys you could send me to counseling and you would wind up with a counselor with a fruit addiction. I bring fruit to people and watch them eat their first real pear. They are hooked at that point going forward.
I definitely understand this. I really had to learn to sometimes just go somewhere else and refuse to think about it. I’ll take the family and we’ll just spend a day driving and exploring around the shores of Lake Superior, and other fun local sites. Then we’ll head home once it starts getting dusk, and we’re tired. It always changes my perspective. I get home and realize how beautiful it is without seeing all the maintenance and problems. It helps me to be thankful, and look at the big picture. And it allows me to reprioritize my family, and remember it’s all for the them. Then in the next couple weeks I will have to do it again.
Health issues and other challenges in life do slow us down as Mark said very well. This is something i went through https://growingfruit.org/t/clarkinks-may-be-slow-to-respond-in-the-forum-due-to-sheri-passing-away/26184 while also suffering with medical issues. I kept grafting anyway even when i.could barely see. Once i was to.weak to stand but i did anyway and sliced myself well enough to earn another trip to the hospital because the bleeding wouldnt stop. I would rather die than stop doing what i love literally. It keeps me alive and gives me purpose. The fruit rejuvinates my body and clears my mind. It is as essential in my life as the blood that flows in my veins and oxygen that fills my lungs. Living the peaceful life as a farmer and orchardist is my life blood. My sweat and blood are my soul and there is more in my land than in my body at this point. I earned my scars that cover my body like a decorated soldier. Self reliance is something i commited to as a goal years ago. I see oppurtunities everywhere to make growing fruit and vegetables better. Yes we will slow down as time betrays us like it has the countless men and women before me who loved this land also. I sometimes run across some rocks arranged as a foundation that once Supported someones dream home. I have looked at these lands all my life, swam in their waters, breathed the air the trees made for me. Nature is on my side and to say i love the land is barely enough to convey my meaning. Like an addict i have zero desire in being cured. I love growing fruits and love to eat what i grow.
Like many others, this has become my escape (something I’ve really embraced this year). Back in 2020 during COVID, I caught the “fruit tree bug” and started growing figs. A generous person gave me over 10 fig varieties in small pots, and I cared for them diligently. I still have all of those original varieties growing today.
That’s also when I discovered my yard was too wet in its current state to support trees, due to frequent standing water. Over time, my excitement faded and my focus shifted to other things. The only thing I really did was just water the figs to make sure they stayed alive.
This year, after a lot of stress from work and life, I found myself drawn back to the fruit trees and bushes. I’m pretty sure I’ll stick with it this time. There’s something so grounding about walking outside, seeing new growth, and tasting ripening fruit. It brings me peace, and the stress melts away when I focus on helping the trees survive and thrive.
Just want to quickly drop in and say thanks to everyone for some really great replies and perspective.
I’ll add more thoughts as i mull over things more and digest the great comments.
I try to plan to make the garden easy to take care off. I mulch the veggies so nearly no weeding. Water on a timer so we can go on vacations. One type of peaches so spray is just every 10 days. One type peach also means just one 10 day harvest/canning. By the time peaches are done the veggies are kicking in.
