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Oh, for the Love of Gardening!

I garden for myself, but I love sharing it.

My front yard garden—June 1, 2023.

I enjoy the sociability of being in my front garden. Passersby frequently quip: "Lotta work, eh?" Most times, I just say "Yep! But I love it." But what I'd really like them to understand is that a garden, mine or yours, will take whatever you give it, whenever you give it. It'll absorb as much time, money, and effort as you care to pony up.

And boy! Have I been riding that pony—yee haw, full speed ahead!

Even though I've been going full tilt, I always see more to be done and things to change or improve. Honestly, it's a running list. Some things will be done soon, others later, still other tasks will drop off my radar, become less important to me and never get done. The point is, there is always more I could do.*  And thank goodness for that because I love it!

I can't remember a time when I've enjoyed my garden more—I'm having a blast. I'd be doing this anyway, but a (small) part of my current frenzy is getting ready for an open garden. That's right: come Monday evening, June 19, I will be opening my private garden to my fellow members of the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon (HPSO).

The Open Garden program that HPSO offers is one of the most popular offerings of membership. From spring to fall, members open their gardens to other members. Most of the gardens are in the greater Tri-County Portland area and Vancouver, throughout Clark County. (I know I've probably missed mentioning a region, but you get the gist).

My back yard garden—June 1, 2023.

If you live nearby-ish, I hope you'll consider becoming a member of HPSO—in addition to the many other benefits, there are many opportunities to see wonderful gardens. I hope you'll stop in on June 19 to say hello.

* Just to be clear, it is also true that my garden can get along quite well without a lot of effort from me for extended periods of time. The difference is really about my willingness to accept it not being "just so" and embracing the relaxed style that is a product of a lighter touch. I will go for long stretches in this mode when I'm busy with other things.

Can't make the tour, but curious about what my full garden looks like? I took this quick and bumpy video tour in June 2019, just before the last time I opened my garden. I hope to update it sometime soon to show the garden in its current state, but this is a decent approximation.

The eGardenGo site is a great resource to help you get inspired for your next garden project. What are you working on?

I hope you're enjoying your garden. Don't forget to sit down, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Until next time!