There are days when I walk out the back door and, poof, I’m gone. Not off the grid or on some secret mission. Just… lost. Lost among the towering tomato plants, the fragrant basil, and the buzzing bees in my suburban backyard oasis. And honestly? Don’t send a search party. This is exactly where I want to be.
My garden isn’t just a place where I grow food; it’s my personal meditation chamber, my therapy couch, and my favorite escape. The world outside can be loud, demanding, and full of distractions. But step into my garden, and it all just… melts away.
It starts the moment I push through the gate. The earthy smell of damp soil after a morning rain. The sweet perfume of honeysuckle mingling with the sharp, clean scent of mint. Then there’s the symphony: the gentle hum of pollinators, the rustle of corn stalks in the breeze, the happy chirping of a robin looking for worms. I often find myself just standing there, eyes closed, just taking it all in.
This isn’t just about growing things; it’s about slowing down. When I’m weeding, my hands in the soil, my mind focuses only on the task. Each stubborn dandy lion pulled feels like a tiny victory, a small act of tidying not just the garden, but my thoughts too. Pruning a branch, watering a thirsty plant—these simple acts bring a sense of purpose and calm that I rarely find anywhere else.
Want to create your own slice of zen? It’s simpler than you might think. You don’t need acres; even a small patio can become a haven. Here are a few things I’ve learned about designing a space that invites you to get delightfully lost:
- Create a Destination: Place a comfy bench, a simple chair, or even a couple of old tree stumps in a secluded spot. Make it a place where you can sit and just be. Mine is tucked under the grape arbor, perfect for a morning coffee or an afternoon read.
- Engage the Senses: Plant things for more than just looks. Think about scent (lavender, jasmine, rosemary), sound (ornamental grasses that rustle, plants that attract birds), and texture (fuzzy lamb’s ear, spiky coneflowers). A small water feature, even a simple bird bath, adds a soothing trickle.
- Pathways and Layers: Use winding paths, even short ones, to create a sense of journey and discovery. Vary the heights of your plants—tall sunflowers, mid-height peppers, low-growing strawberries—to create visual interest and a feeling of enclosure.
- Embrace the Imperfect: Don’t stress about every weed or every bug. A garden is a living, breathing thing. A little wildness adds to its charm and authenticity. Perfection is overrated; peace is the goal.
My garden is far from perfect. There are always weeds, always a plant struggling, always something that needs attention. But that’s the beauty of it. It’s a constant reminder that growth is a process, and that even in imperfection, there’s immense joy and tranquility to be found. So, if you’re looking for me, don’t worry. I’m probably out there, happily lost.