Where There Is a Will, There Is a Way!

One thing gardeners do not do is sit around and feel sorry for themselves. The rain may not fall nearly enough, the rain may fall too much, powdery mildew may descend on our beds like an evil veil and neighbors' cats may not be able to resist the urge to dig in our newly loosened soil. But we persevere. And we will never let a perceived lack of garden space slow us down! I am inspired by those with tiny yards who find ways to add impressive gardens and those who have gardened all that they can in their yard and continue to grow their garden canvas with pots, urns and terrariums.

It is just who we are. When we see empty spaces or areas that are in need of some beauty, we know that adding a garden, even a tiny one, will make that little part of the world better. When we add gardens we are, in the way we know best, improving the quality of life for all. Who would pick a bench in the middle of a barren space for lunch when a park with shade trees and flowers can be enjoyed? Wouldn't you rather sit at traffic light next to a roadside garden than a crumbling curb and trash?

Truth be told, many of us may be a tad bit consumed with gardening. If we can grab hold of just one more vacant lot, find one more school that needs help installing a garden or one more organization in need of a gardening volunteer, we will jump in, get our hands dirty and play with plants. It’s what makes us most happy. It just happens to be that neighborhood beautification is a pleasant result of our singled-mindedness.

So garden on, my friends! Prep that next garden, squeeze in one more pot on the balcony and volunteer at the local school garden. When you have the will to garden, you shall find the way!

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Jenny Koester, AKA The Landless Gardener, is the Garden Blog Editor for Horticulture magazine and the author of The Garden Life and A Year in the Park.