Priorities (aka ‘when life gets in the way)

Flower season is just about to kick off and I’m already behind. Normally, this is the time of year when I’m smugly watering my little trays of seedlings, tomatoes stretching toward the light, basil perfuming the windowsill. This year? Nothing. For the first time in four years, I haven’t planted a single seed.

Why? Because life has a way of stepping in and rearranging your priorities. For me, that’s meant pouring energy into building new beds in my shrub border (exciting, but time-consuming) and also wrestling with a gallbladder that’s been throwing a spectacular hissy fit. Middle-age is not for the faint hearted. (I look forward to old age with great trepidation!) Between health woes and digging projects, seed trays just haven’t stood a chance.

So here’s my plan: I’m cheating. I’m going to buy tomato plants this year and any other plants I might normally grow from seed at this time of year.

Now, some might think ‘tut tut’ but I think it’s just being practical. Because the reality is…. no one is on top of it all, all the time. Scroll through Instagram and you’ll see flawless borders and thriving seedlings, and it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one lagging behind. But trust me, you’re not. I’m right there with you!

Last year’s tomatoes. You’ll see some Marigolds in the fuzzy background. They’re a must-have companion plant in my greenhouse, along with basil, mint, and nasturtiums.

Gardening is forgiving. It doesn’t care if your tomatoes started in a packet or in a pot from the nursery. The weeds will wait. The soil will welcome you back when you have the energy. Your garden won’t hold a grudge if you show up a little late.

We can’t be superheroes. Sometimes life demands our attention elsewhere, and the garden has to take a back seat. That’s life.

So, if you’re feeling behind this season, don’t beat yourself up. I am too. Health, projects, family, work….life happens. The point is, you’ll get back to the garden when you can. And when you do, it’ll forgive you.