A Gardener's Wish List
The needs and wants of a gardener range from the simple to the sublime. Some gardeners use age-old tried and true gardening methods, while others are more high-tech. When considering a gift for a gardener, understanding his/her gardening method will guide you in the right direction. There are some gardener's wishes, however, that can't be purchased in any department or gardening store.
- Six hours a day of sunlight to allow the flowers and vegetables to grow to their fullest potential
- Enough rain in the spring to germinate the seeds and gentle rains throughout the summer
- Honey bees to pollinate the flowers, fruit trees and vegetable
- Knees that bend willingly to allow close interaction with the soil and plants
- Fertile soil free of pesticides and herbicides
- Friendly birds who live nearby who will naturally keep insect pests at bay
- Cats that understand the garden is not a litter box
- Dogs who may mark their scent other places in the yard, but spare the garden
- Hands strong enough to grip rakes and shovels and hoes, but gentle enough to cradle the roots of a plant being transplanted from pot to earth or to caress the petals of the most delicate blossom.
- A back that bends and twists without becoming sore, but even a back that bends and twists with soreness is better than a back too stiff to move.
- Eyes that can take in the beauty of the growing plants, can see the colors, can spot the inevitable weed here and there
- A plot of land large enough in which to grow vegetables to sustain my family, and even better, enough to aid the aging neighbor down the road who is unable to garden herself any longer.
- The wisdom to understand what my plants are telling me about their needs for nutrients, water and to be rid of pests.
- That sense of taste always stays sharp enough to enjoy freshly-picked fruits and vegetables.
- A wide-brimmed hat to shade my eyes from the sun.
- Sharp hearing to be able to enjoy the sounds of nature all around me.
- The gift of memory, to sustain be during the winter months so that I can recall the joys of the summer garden, and in years to come, when I might be unable to garden due to infirmities, the memory of all the gardens of my years.
Published by L.L. Woodard
Freelance writer/editor and freelance observer of life. Three decades of nursing experience in long-term care, from development of team care planning to hands-on patient care. View profile
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19 Comments
Post a CommentExcellent advice!
This is the best gardening list ever! I finished planting my garden 2 weekends ago and already have tomato and green pepper buds. It is so amazing to watch fruits and vegetables unfold before your very eyes. We're using the Topsy Turvey planters to keep neighborhood cats and raccoons out of the garden and look forward to sharing our bounty with neighbors.
I need to forward this to my neighbor!
Great list here!
What a wonderful list, and so many of those things we all take for granted. Thanks :))
This is great. thanks for the good read.
Great wish list! After leaving to go camping for a week, I came home to find that my garden didn't do all too well with our house sitter :( Wish they had the same kind of wish list!
You weren't kidding, this IS a wish list! Or, perhaps rather, a Fantasy Dream List! I agree...
Enjoyable article. Great wishes.
Love your list and I am sure many gardeners will agree.