Adventures in backyard gardening

A guide to embracing that I have no clue what I am doing, but that whatever it is, it's working.

In these trying times, I’ve taken a liking to hobbies that feel analog and resourceful. I’ve been captivated by learning the “old ways” of doing things and find some peace in taking a few steps back technologically. I’m actively limiting my scrolling, uninstalling all the social casino apps that rot my brain, and literally getting my ass outside to touch grass, and not just because it's “what the kids are saying,” but hey — the kids may be on to something here.

I had some pretty big dreams for a backyard garden that didn't pan out, but hey, that's okay. I don't know what the heck I am doing anyway. So rather than plant the modern victory garden of my dreams, we opted for some flowers instead to practice.

I’m going to impart this advice — if you don’t think you can grow something, start with flowers; it will truly inspire you to become a homesteading gardener. Since we have brought these flowers to life from seed, our backyard has really changed. We have so many birds; humming birds, sparrows galore and (my personal fav) goldfinches. We have an abundance of bees! So many fat and happy bees just buzzin’ around, I really want to give them an apiary. We have rabbits, monarch butterflies and even a Red Tail Hawk.

Life is really good in the backyard. The only things we changed are planting a fairly small section of flowers and stopping mowing as often. Our big, glorious backyard plan is to create a native habitat that never gets mowed, which also includes a veggie patch and a pumpkin arch. I hope that, as the weather is now cooling down, I have the energy and stamina to build some gardening contraptions so that next Spring is welcomed with a few cozy places to take root.

I plan to document the process as I go. It will be great to look back on, and maybe it will inspire someone else, too.