A garden can provide us with food, beautiful flowers, and herbs for health and added deliciousness, but it can also add stress and even unnecessary competitiveness. We can link our results to our identity more than is healthy.
This is why I find solace in chaos gardening. I do what I can to the best of my knowledge and abilities, working with what I have and what I am. I am content to step back and let nature do its thing. Gardening is self-expression; it brings me peace if I can laugh at my mistakes; it allows me to grow as I watch the plants grow.
These plants and I have a deeply symbiotic relationship. I give them what I can; they return the favor. If our relationship becomes too stressful, we take a step back. Eventually, we come to terms with our differences and remember what it is that gives us joy in our relationship.
Our imperfections, mine and my garden’s, are what make us unique. If I work with nature, with presence and care, both of us will be in some way beautiful. Neither of us are concerned with trying to impress anyone.
As I work with care in the moment, it is the process that brings us joy and peace. The results are beautiful, in their own way. Chaos with a touch of Zen
