STARTING DAD'S GARDEN

The sun has been coming out now and again over the past few weeks, and I keep catching myself looking out at the garden thinking, where do I even start?. It’s definitely been neglected since last summer. The pool is still up, yes, with the muckiest water in it and I know I should probably sort it, but honestly, the weather hasn’t exactly been inviting me outside, winter has been SO long!.

It’s not just the mess that’s been on my mind. I have been doing a lot of reflecting since my dad passed. This time of year was always his time. He would’ve been straight out in the garden, getting stuck in, planting things, sorting his greenhouse, preparing for the months ahead.

I keep thinking about those little moments I didn’t realise I’d miss so much. Pinching tomatoes straight from the vine, the warm smell of the greenhouse, and him showing me everything he’d grown so far, it was his pride and joy, even though we would see the same thing every year, he loved showing it off :)

So I’ve been thinking about starting a little project, something I’m calling Dad’s Garden.

Now, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t going to be some huge transformation where I suddenly install a full greenhouse and become completely self-sufficient. Your girl is running a business and raising kids; we are keeping it realistic here.

But I do want to carve out a small space, something manageable, where I can start growing again. Nothing too overwhelming, just a few things to begin with. I’m thinking tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, maybe some potatoes and herbs. Simple, but enough to feel like a proper start.

I’ve grown things before, years ago, and I actually managed to get a decent crop from it. So I know I can do it, it’s just about finding the time, the motivation, and maybe a bit of patience along the way.

This feels like more than just sorting out the garden. It’s about doing something positive, creating something from scratch, and holding onto those memories in a way that feels real and grounding.

Fingers and toes firmly crossed, im excited :)