Gardening

As a gardener I have developed my own sense of style and interests. I think my style definitely reflects my personality: simple, low maintenance (my husband might disagree) and efficient (and again he would probably disagree). While I love being outside and I love gardening, I really don't have a lot of time for fuss or huge amounts of maintenance. Gardening has also evolved into a family chore incorporating 3 small children: some eager and some not. My landscape has to survive two dogs, various soccer balls, sword fights as well as rabbits, dear and 20 chickens. Sounds like an up-hill battle but I actually find comfort and entertainment out in my yard.

Whether you are a grandparent, a single working woman/man or a frazzled mother like me, the one thing we can all agree on is gardening should bring you peace and enjoyment -- not dreaded weeks of weeding and resentment. Some of us have patios/small spaces and some of us are gluttons for punishment whose dream it was to own a wide-open space and grow as much to eat as possible…. ahem. The main criteria between all of us should be to keep our yards simple and enjoyable -- sounds logical but how, you say? Start with the soil, your yard will not look decent if you have not spent the time and sometimes the money to get a healthy soil. This is the foundation to any garden and the most important aspect.

You can take your soil to any local garden centre and they will instruct you on how to get a proper analysis done so you know what you need to add for efficiency. To me that is complicated and time consuming so I just add SEA SOIL Original. I usually apply a generous amount (2-4 inches) all over the garden if I am in a small space but if the space is huge and the wallet is small (usually my case…. remember three kids) I will top up around existing plants with SEA SOIL and near the roots of new plants to save money but with equal results. SEA SOIL also contains all the micro/macro nutrients that your typical chemical fertilizers don't but are essential for plant health. I never fertilize or use liquids just add more SEA SOIL if needed-simple, healthy and efficient.

Once your soil is in top shape and you know the nutrient value is up, it is time to head to the garden centre. I highly recommend using a garden centre with experienced staff; they will help you find the right plant for your location (is your garden in sun or shade), your zone (I only use hardy plants that grow well in my area) and remember size (you don't want to plant something that will block a window or grow slowly if you are looking for privacy). Gardeners also need to be aware of whether the plant is high maintenance (requires fertilization, pruning, excessive watering or invasive). Unfortunately you can choose the correct plant but if it isn't being put into healthy soil you just wasted your time.