What My Garden Gives Me Before Monday

On weekends, I like to spend some time taking care of my garden. I have citrus trees, a small rose garden, and an assortment of flowering plants. Right now, I’m also trying to revive my hydrangeas. There is always something that needs watering, trimming, feeding, moving, or a little extra attention.

I enjoy the work itself, but I’ve realized that gardening does something else for me too.

During the week, my mind is usually full—client projects, meetings, emails, ideas, problems to solve, and things I need to get done. Gardening seems to create space between all of that.

Some people say they do their best thinking in the shower. My showers are pretty quick, so that has never worked for me. Gardening has become my version of that. As I water the citrus trees, deadhead the roses, or check on the hydrangeas, my mind slows down. I unwind, but I also think. Sometimes a problem I’ve been turning over becomes clearer. An idea takes shape. Or I simply start sorting out what I want to focus on in the week ahead.

What I like about it is that I’m not sitting down trying to think or be productive. I’m doing something completely different, and perhaps that’s why it works. My mind has room to wander without being pushed toward an answer.

I also like the patience that gardening teaches you. You can give plants water, sunlight, nutrients, and attention, but you can’t make them grow faster. They grow in their own time.

By Sunday evening, the garden usually looks a little better. More importantly, I often feel a little more settled and clear-headed myself. It has quietly become one of my favorite ways to get ready for Monday.