Island Time

Island Time

As I write this there is only 2 weeks left of winter – if you go by the calendar, and although this is a season that is often maligned and wished away in anticipation of a better brighter season, I can easily say I’m not ready for it to be over.  Well parts of it, like the cold, wind and rain wouldn’t be missed, but in the garden, during its winter slumber there is so much that can be done to ease the passage into spring, that will make the growing season less hectic and more manageable and ultimately more enjoyable.  And I garden out of love not duress so anything that can add to the joy is always welcome.

I did have to ‘sing’ for my supper and gave 4 guest presentations to the passengers on the cruise ship.

It would be wrong to go on a tropical holiday an not lie on a beach and lose yourself in a good book!

But what is also welcome in life is family and holidays and even more so if it is a tropical holiday in the middle of winter.  While there is always something to be done in a garden, this shouldn’t translate to there is no good time to take a break, but if a break is needed then winter is the season to do it, especially if it means a moment or two feeling the warm kiss of the sun on our skin, with the scent of sunscreen reminding us of all we have to look forward to.  It lifts the endless drudge that winter can bring and builds the anticipation.  Without this midseason break I almost forget what summer feels like and it seems impossible to see a life beyond the gloom.  But coming home to see how much the garden has advanced in just two weeks and the rosy glow on my shoulders breaks me out of my winter stagnation and fills me with a motivation and a desire to get things sorted for this new coming season, with all the hope and anticipation that this will be the perfect one!

When travelling I never miss an opportunity to visit gardens and Thurston Botanic Gardens in Fiji did not disappoint.

You can’t beat a refreshing coconut drink when in a tropical place like Tonga.

We were fortunate enough to visit the incredibly culture rich Norfolk Island and enjoy its history, botanic gardens and national park, as well as its beaches both wild and beautiful.

Stopping to appreciate the tropical sunsets as we sail to our next destination is always a delight.

With a head full of wonderful memories, and a body relaxed, albeit a little travel weary, I need to fight the thoughts that creep in and tell me I’ve lost time, and I need to get out to the garden immediately to make up for it.  They are not helpful or accurate, there is still plenty of time.  I need to transition the slow gentle pace of ‘island time’ into ‘nature time’.  Mother nature is in no hurry.  She doesn’t set deadlines.  Sure, there are things that need to be done ‘before bud break’ or in time to get good sized seedlings to plant out, but these task windows are generally open for weeks and encouragingly there is no benefit to doing something too soon.  Later is, for most of the time, better.

The pressure I put on myself at this time of year is I have to get the garden beds ready.  This in itself is an easy task and I can give a garden bed all the love it needs in an afternoon.  My problem is the quantity.  I have so many beds that at this point are all asking for a little help, but with a steady plod I’ll get there – I always do.  Spring may start in two weeks, but the heat loving garden crops won’t be introduced to their seasonal homes for at least nine weeks and some won’t even come out of their seed packets for a few more weeks.  There is plenty of time to sort the garden in a slow, joyous pace… if I’m organised. And I’m excited for it.

The first task is to get some early season seeds underway.

While many of the pots have been washed there are still many to go.

In my absence the Mustard Cover Crops have begun blooming and need chopping down so their goodness can be returned to the soil.

Room Three of The Palace has been patiently waiting for work to begin.

I have made a conscious decision to banish any garden related stress.  This is supposed to be an occupation I actually love to do and when stress and pressure are allowed to creep in, it robs me of the joy I should be feeling. Resentment builds and then I find myself inexplicably reluctant to work in the garden, creating a perpetual cycle of stress, overwhelm and gloom.  Well not anymore – negative feelings are no longer welcome in my special place.

And with that in mind, I will cherish my tropical memories knowing that one day very soon I’ll be able to recreate the experience of sitting in the sun with a cocktail in hand in my very own garden, and it will be wonderful.  But for now… I need to wrap up warm and feel the satisfaction of order emerging from the bedraggled winter garden with a cheerful spirit and a skip in my step.

Come again soon – a magnificent growing season is just around the corner.

Sarah the Gardener  : o)

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