Gardener's Block? or Gardener's Bliss?

   So I do realize I haven't posted a blog in awhile. Writer's block perhaps? I do have ideas for some healthy, fresh foods for this time of year but I wanted to do at least one more gardening blog. We are in the throes of the gardener's delight time of year after all!! So do I seriously have a writer's block? Then it dawned on me that perhaps I have a gardener's block!?! What is that you say. Well, I have been simplifying my annual plantings, expanding my long-lived perennial base over these past few years. Is it possible things are running so smoothly out there; there's plenty of rain & cooler than usual temperatures so far (for the east coast at least) that there's not much to write about? No Way!!!

Dragon Wing Begonia - My Old Fav!!

New favorite Begonia 'evi' - Walmart again!

Finally a good year for my everblooming hydrangea!!

    Yes, my gardening strategy has paid off but I know I have plenty of work to do... if I choose... See that's the thing, right now all looks fabulous! I can just sit & enjoy (we all aim for that result after all - with a cocktail in hand - see recipe link below) So maybe what I am experiencing is gardener's'bliss', not gardener's 'block'. I mean I really haven't had to begin dead heading just yet. As usual, I freshened up a stake or two with spray paint. I weeded (past tense) but the mulch is doing its thing for now! Really this is bliss; the kind you dream about when you are thumbing through those garden books in January. I will truly enjoy today with the low humidity & dappled sunshine. I will enjoy today because tomorrow I work actually. I will enjoy today because the present is a gift truly after all. So no tips or advice this time around, gardener's!! Simply Enjoy.

https://www.titosvodka.com/recipes/vodka-drinks/sangria-fresca

Gardeners ~ Walk Before You Run!

   The weather is warming! Your garden is greening up! Perennials are popping! Please don't run out & be a (weekend) warrior. We need to walk first; ease into what we have not been doing all winter long! We really do not have to accomplish readying your garden in a day or even a week. 

We know as gardeners it takes some time & the worst thing you can do is overdue on those first warm days. It really does help to get out & walk & stretch regularly, especially those hip flexors. Yoga sessions are wonderful to work out those muscles. Check out this link for yoga stretches to help you after a day of gardening:

https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/wellbeing/8-best-yoga-poses-for-gardeners

   Over the years if I have learned anything it is to pace myself. I really do enjoy readying the garden but when it begins to feel like too much on my body I stop & return another day. The same goes for planting my beds & planters. It is soooo much fun because the rewards are instant, but when I start feeling hungry, thirsty, tired or achy I stop. It will be much more enjoyable tomorrow! A few tips that I live by ~ I always wear long sleeves & long pants, this time of year especially. I don't want scratches (or ticks!!) when I am getting in there cleaning out my beds. I like to get out early so it is not hot and the pollinators are not out. I always sit on a blanket to weed or plant when I can and kneel on a pad only when I have to. Yoga helps to keep me in shape for that sitting to a standing position! I try to not pull weeds because I am prone to tennis elbow; I get under the weeds with a garden tool whenever possible.

See more tips from Martha Stuart in this link below! Happy Gardening!

https://www.marthastewart.com/1149257/gardening-without-pain-prevent-aches-scratches-hazards