October 8, 2026
No one wants to think about it but Things do happen–in all our lives. Sometimes only good things but at one time or another many must cope with a difficult situation.
Difficulties come in many forms. Health problems of so many types can affect ones ability –things that used to be so simple suddenly become hard. Perhaps a family member now needs care. there can be financial issues or the need for a different living situation.
Suddenly –its time to think. Its time to realize that something has changed–we wish it hadn’t but it did–and what we do next–that is something we are in control of.
We are gardeners–the most fortunate of all! We can access the power of our garden, the connections to the natural world to help us deal with any situation.
The first thing to remember–change takes work. Learning that maybe we must do things even a little differently–that takes work too. Be honest–with yourself!! If you will have less money to spend on the garden–figure out what you will have and how to use it wisely. who knows what you will learn—maybe you will grow your veg from seeds not plants. maybe you learn to grow cuttings of favorite plants–you may have more satisfaction from your garden that you had before.
if you will not have as much time–same idea really think about the time you will have and use it wisely. Have a plan. Even little bits of time can make a difference if you use them carefully
Health challenges can be hard and discouraging. But do not get discouraged–again the key is–be realistic about what you can do. Accept what you cannot do–but focus on what you can do. Just because you can no longer “put in a good days work” doesn’t mean you can’t do anything. Be creative think of ways to make chores easier and safer. Learn to enjoy and learn from your rest time. Sometimes the best ideas come while using a break to look carefully at your garden. This takes work too! Gardeners can be very hard on themselves and feel like rest breaks are a sign of laziness. Nothing could be farther from the truth–even if we have no health issues at all we should learn to take the time to rest really look at plants–enjoy the garden. See what works and what doesn’t–what makes us happy–and what doesn’t.
No one wants difficult times–but since they happen–we have to take time and make an effort to cope. The garden can make such a difference–we can have just a bit of joy and wonder no matter what!
It is determined to do its best. a little lesson for all
Susan Thornbury, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008
