4 Lessons From The Garden That Improved My Life

It’s been about six years since I took up gardening as a hobby. During that time, I’ve learned some invaluable lessons that have influenced how I approach life. While some were already familiar concepts, my experiences really brought these lessons to life. Today, I’m eager to share them with you in the hopes that you might benefit from them as well.

When failure occurs, it’s often due to a lack of experience or knowledge. One of my earliest attempts at gardening involved growing vegetables, which introduced me to all the things that influence plant growth and health. Understanding the nuances of climate, sunlight, and water requirements is crucial, as these factors can vary depending on your location and your own backyard layout. 

Initially, I was enthusiastic about having my own veggie garden, but I found it wasn’t as productive as I had hoped. While some crops did okay, my attempts at growing other things always ended in disappointment—the plants would often turn yellow and wither, or simply not produce anything.

To improve my results, I began taking basic notes each year, recording details such as water usage, pest occurrences, and effective treatments. This information allowed me to make better decisions and adjustments in the following years, leading to the development of a plan for my garden’s unique context. 

For example, while some resources suggested that certain plants could thrive with infrequent deep watering (like tomatoes), my experience in hot Australian summers taught me otherwise. In such extreme conditions, plants often require daily watering to flourish rather than merely survive. This distinction between survival and flourishing emphasizes the importance of adapting gardening practices to your specific conditions and individual plant needs. 

I also made mental notes on how the sun travels across my backyard throughout the year. This helped me realize that some areas become quite shady in winter, making them less suitable for growing vegetables. By combining my notes with general observations, I continually improve my gardening techniques to optimize the health and productivity of my garden. 

The practice of taking notes in gardening has not only transformed my approach to growing plants but also influenced other aspects of my life. Just as documenting my gardening experiences has led to better outcomes in the garden, the practice of note-taking has proven beneficial in other endeavours. 

Maintaining records of projects and tasks allows me to track progress, identify patterns, and learn from both successes and failures. By maintaining a record, I can continuously refine my approach and become more effective. Similarly, in pursuit of my goal to get into better shape, I’ve been tracking my weight daily and comparing the weekly average. This practice enables me to identify a continuous downward trend toward my final goal, reassuring me that my methods are effective. 

Journaling about my experiences, thoughts, and emotions has provided clarity, perspective, and self-awareness. I’ve gained deeper insights into my values, strengths, and areas for improvement, which helps me make more informed decisions and pursue meaningful goals. 

In essence, the discipline of taking notes in gardening has become a metaphor for intentional living and continuous learning. It’s a reminder that the process of growth and improvement extends far beyond the garden, permeating every aspect of our lives. 

I struggle with procrastination, which is always a persistent obstacle in my life. Recently, I embarked on a project to install a chicken coop in my backyard but there was a concrete BBQ benchtop blocking the area I needed. Knowing I had to make space, I attempted to demolish it with a sledgehammer, but the task proved far more difficult than anticipated. Frustrated and exhausted after just 30 minutes, I gave up. 

Each day, the sight of the BBQ outside my kitchen window served as a constant reminder of the task ahead. I knew that unless I took action, the BBQ would stubbornly remain in place. No one else was going to do this for me. So, I recommitted to the task and gradually made progress, feeling encouraged as I managed to cave in some sections.  

However, the final part of the demolition proved even more challenging. It became a true test of perseverance, and I found myself leaving it untouched for days. But I couldn’t escape the truth: if I didn’t act, nothing would change. So, with renewed determination, I set out to finish what I started. Finally, after putting in the extra effort, I succeeded. Now, in place of the BBQ, stands a beautiful chicken coop. 

The story is kind of silly, but it taught me a profound lesson: results require action. Though it sounds simple, the journey to achieving our goals can be filled with challenges and distractions. However, by reminding ourselves that inaction yields no results, we will be motivated to overcome these obstacles and take the necessary steps to get the results we desire.  

Don’t wait for things to happen; make them happen through your own efforts. Just as my BBQ demolitions happened bit by bit, every action we take moves us closer to our aspirations. Progress often comes through consistent effort and small steps. Embrace this approach, knowing that every action contributes to our overall progress.  

Good things come to those who wait; gardening, like many worthwhile pursuits, requires patience and perseverance. It takes many years for a garden to mature, and often our initial efforts seem unimpressive. But give it time, and the transformation is quite remarkable. Often, you don’t notice these subtle changes, but if you look back, you will be amazed by the progress.  

I embarked on a project to transform a neglected corner of my backyard into a green sanctuary, envisioning a tropical retreat in its place. The journey began with the difficult task of pulling up bricks, clearing artificial turf, and creating garden beds. 

Working out where everything would go and planting was the fun part However, as with any endeavour, initial enthusiasm can only carry you so far. There inevitably comes a point where the sheer magnitude of the task ahead can feel overwhelming, threatening to destroy your motivation. 

Maintenance work – from watering, pest control, pruning to fertilizing – becomes a sometimes-daily routine. Day by day I worked on these tasks, yet It’s easy to get discouraged when your efforts are not immediately obvious. 

That’s where the ‘set and forget’ mindset comes into play. It’s about embracing routine maintenance and discipline while forgetting about immediate results. By focusing on the strength of your processes, success tends to follow as a natural result.  

This mindset highlights the importance of patience, consistency, and faith in the natural progression of things, whether it’s in gardening or other endeavors in life. 

So, the next time you find yourself faced with a daunting challenge or lofty goal, remember the wisdom of the garden. Embrace patience, cultivate perseverance, and trust in the transformative power of time. 

I like spending time in nature, and it’s widely acknowledged for its positive effects on mental health. Let me share an experience that underscored this for me. 

I had an interview for a job that I had spent a lot of time preparing for, and I felt that this opportunity could be life-changing, a pivotal moment. The day before the interview, I found myself getting increasingly anxious. When I’m anxious, I tend to pace around, so I decided to go for a walk to get rid of some of that nervous energy. 

The weather was nice and as I walked through my local park, I couldn’t help but appreciate the moment. While everyone else was at their work, I had the freedom to enjoy this walk. It dawned on me that, ultimately, the job interview didn’t hold as much weight as I had initially thought. At the end of the day, it’s just a job. What truly matters are moments like these—moments of simple pleasures and connection with nature—that I aspire to fill my life with. 

This realization connects with my own experience gardening. Often our thoughts are our own worst enemy. Regrets from the past or anxieties towards the future, but gardening redirects our attention and focuses us in the present. It also creates a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Watching your garden evolve, observing plants grow and flourish, brings a deep satisfaction that can transcend the stress of everyday life.  

Moreover, being immersed in the natural world enhances emotional resilience. There’s something inherently grounding and invigorating about connecting with nature, and gardening offers a tangible way to foster this connection.  

In essence, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, it’s the moments of tranquillity and appreciation for the natural world that truly enrich our lives. And for me, there’s no better place to find these moments than in the garden.