It is that wonderful time of year again, when my trees and flowers are all in full bloom and my vegetable garden is producing succulent (and giant) zucchini, sweet red and yellow peppers, tangy basil, oregano, fennel, parsley, juicy cantaloupe, watermelons, blueberries, strawberries, and grapes- and an interesting variety of cucumbers and beans. The pumpkins should be ready soon…
This summer (like many summers past) has been a challenge to those of us who love to garden. The heat and humidity have broken records and the bugs seem to be growing in population and aggressiveness with every new year. There have been many days over the past three months where I had to push myself out the door to face the stifling heat that hit me as I emerged from my sunroom- armed with gloves, trowel and great intentions of weeding, watering and pruning. The air was so hot that it was hard to breathe as I worked to clear my beds and help my plants to grow- and eventually to nourish my family through many healthy (and tasty) meals to come.
I must confess to having days when I procrastinated and a few when I didn’t get around to the job at all. It seemed all I could do when outside was jump in the pool- day or night. I knew that if this continued my plants would suffer and the amount of time and energy I’d have to invest would be greater the next time I entered my garden. What it always came down to was a weighing of my desire for the fruits this labor would bring against the time and effort required.
So, here we are in early September, and my landscape is in need of much TLC- just to get it to a presentable place again. A number of my plants have suffered to the point that their yield will be very low and/or small and unsatisfactory. Fortunately, there is some hope of rescuing a percentage of what is left- but it comes with the sense of loss for what might have been- had I kept it a priority all along. My flowers have fared a bit better, but much weeding and clean-up is now required.
Sounds a lot like a neglected relationship, doesn’t it? Life is always coming at us fast, and during the particularly challenging periods, it is easy to take others for granted- figuring that they will hang in there and be as ready for us as ever- when we get around to them. Too often folks realize too late that this is not true.
My advice is to begin right now to give a little time each day to your relationships. Spouse, significant others, children, extended family and good friends- they all need just a little attention, some kind or helpful words and a loving act or two- to thrive and continue to offer you the sustenance you want and need from them. If you put this off, you may wake up one day to wilted feelings and a huge task of bridging distance and healing wounded spirits. Don’t wait.