Gradual leaps and bounds in the garden

Enlisting help can speed up gardening progress.

I'm all about doing things gradually. I know that most awesome gardens started out humbly. But is it possible to gain leaps and bounds in the gradual garden? Yes it is because I'm doing it. This year, our garden has gone through a drastic clean up, the likes of which I thought would take several more years to accomplish. It's not quite where I want it. It's still a work in progress. However, the progression is accelerated. Here's why.

I have found awesome tools.

Using the right gardening tools has grown my gradual garden to new heights. Each year I discover something else that will enhance my work. This year, the battle of the weeds was made significantly easier with the addition of a propane torch to my tool arsenal. Next year, who knows what new implement I will discover?

I have enlisted help.

I used to be afraid to ask for help. No more. Instead of standing around wondering why no one is helping me, I speak up. Sometimes they say no. Mostly they say yes, though. It takes a village to raise a garden. And my villagers have been busy this year, for which I am eternally grateful.

I have worked my tail off.

Gradual bursts of energy can really make a difference. Even though I have a chronic illness, I have learned to use well days to their fullest. I'm the energized bunny, the little train that could or whoever your preferred fictional go-getter might be. Because what it boils down to is that if no one gets out there and seeds, weeds and maintains that garden, nothing is going to happen. Standing around looking at the garden does nothing for it.

I have hope for the future but I live for today.

Rather than sitting around belly-aching about what I can't do or discussing past failures, I do what I can do each and every day to get closer to my gardening goals. Some days, that's not much. However, those small daily efforts combined equal large results. So, even if I don't have an awesome day every day, I keep my hope alive because I know I will get there.

I don't expect miracles.

I know that on our budget, gradual garden improvements are a must, not a choice. Still, it's getting there. Plus, thanks to the factors above, it's getting there more quickly than expected. So, yes, there is such a thing as gradual leaps and bounds in the garden. You just have to want it bad enough to work for it.