I'm truly happy to be moving forward after so many months of being in limbo but I have to admit, I'm feeling a bit melancholy about leaving my garden. After 7 years of exhausting labour, we have finally reached a year in which there's nothing to do but harvest and maintain what we have developed. The berry canes, bushes and plants are literally BURSTING with fruit and the trees are forming loads of apples, cherries, pears and plums. The perennial plants are filling in beautifully (many of which were started from seed) and the garden is finally looking lush and abundant. My soil is teeming with life and the rewards of all our hard work are finally being realized. And we're leaving....
We have a lot of work ahead of us to get established at the new property and while I'm excited for the challenge and the opportunity to design from scratch, I'm also (truthfully) a little daunted at the sheer volume of work ahead of us. I have to keep my eye focussed on the fact that all the mistakes I've made here so far (there's been plenty of them) will help me avoid unnecessary work at the new property. Those mistakes taught me more than any class ever could have so I suppose I'll have to be content with the fact that true and irreplaceable reward (learning) is coming with me.
I was the same when we moved two years ago everything was just how I wanted it, it was only regular maintenance to keep on top of the garden and I left it all behind to start again with an overgrown neglected garden and a field I wanted to turn into a fruit and veg plot, 2 years on and its all falling into place, I am still unpacking boxes though :-)
ReplyDeleteYou understand.... XO
DeleteI did not have my old yard the way I wanted it when we moved, but I can very much relate to the overwhelming possibilities in a new yard. You are right, your knowledge is coming with you and that is irreplaceable. When I feel overcome with the work load here I try to remind myself that I am only working by the deadlines I have created for myself--there is really no one dictating that every weed be pulled, the lawn mowed, the edges trimmed, at all times. It is only that I wish it were so :) The design and building is the part I enjoy but it was stressful trying to get everything "right the first time" until I realized it's the journey, not the destination that matters. We are very much a work in progress. My only advice is to tackle only a realistic number of projects per year and not make yourself ill working too hard!
ReplyDeleteAnd I meant to add that I love those peonies! My favorite :)
DeleteGood advice! I have a tendency to run myself ragged to meet my self imposed deadlines...
DeleteI have virtually done the same thing....I totally get how you feel. There still are days I feel overwhelmed with the new property and sad for what I left behind at the farm. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteOh yes - I remember The Farm XOX Hugs
DeleteI think we have to mourn a bit for what's left behind to allow us to move forward. Hopefully you also find comfort in the fact that you're leaving that piece of the world much more lush and beautiful for those to follow. Hugs to you,
ReplyDeleteJaime
"I think we have to mourn a bit for what's left behind to allow us to move forward"
ReplyDeleteSage advice my friend XOXOX
A day at a time.
ReplyDeleteYes. Such simple advice but so helpful XO
DeleteI read this post the other day and I thought it might help..there are so projects at home that look so big I don't do anything...this post helps to think...do something, anything, just start somewhere...remember the old ..how to eat an elephant, one bite at a time...here's the link that might help.http://www.frugalwoods.com/2016/06/15/the-liberation-of-breaking-down-barriers-and-starting-anywhere/
ReplyDeleteThat was a great post. Thanks!
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