It seems I've become a "gardener" without realising it over the past two or so years.
I've always thought of gardeners as a rarified breed, mostly ladies who wear hats and gardening gloves, babbling on about plants and structure and colours. Oh oh. Yep, I now wear hats and gloves and babble on about plants, and lately even have started to talk about "structure." Oh dear, tick that box.
I've always thought that being a gardener meant a wealth of knowledge about flowers, shrubs and trees, and what to do when. Oh oh. My knowledge of all this has been growing since I moved to the farm full time. I can recognise plants and do know what to do when. Oh dear, tick that box.
I have been inclined to minimise my knowledge relative to that of other people, been embarrassed to say I was a "gardener" because surely other people know so much more than I do.
John pointed out to me a few days ago that maybe now this just isn't the case. I have learned quite a bit in a short period of time and have things growing profusely around the place and want more. I can't deny I'm a gardener now.
I've always been keen to grow our own vegetables and fruit trees here at Struan Farm. I knew I could handle all that (okay, except maybe the odd tsunami of tomatoes!). But the flower gardens intimidated me for a very long time. They were planted by John's parents with some very special things. I was reluctant to make them my own, for years. But once I took ownership that all changed. Maybe it was making Hydrangea Hill, the zinnia and sunflower bed beside the Pet Paddock, or the daffodils and tulips at the front entrance, I'm not sure. I can't deny that's all me.
I do know that making new "greenfield" gardens up at the new(ish) house was a turning point. I was able to plant what I wanted. I discovered that I do know what I like. I'm "old fashioned" according to my sister-in-law in my taste for flowering shrubs and flowers. And I like that accusation! I can take cuttings and grow plants myself, but the search for the right things in garden centres is sometimes challenging. I've surprised even John, who didn't think my orderly approach to life would allow for that unrestrained, exuberant cottage garden look (it did).
So I guess I need to accept and wear this mantle proudly, along with the dirt under my fingernails. There's no going back. Lots of winter planting ahead!
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