Once upon a time I wrote a blog post about how hurt I was when a friend reprimanded me for calling my over 200 plants in containers a garden.
“That’s not a garden,” she said.
I didn’t agree then, and I still don’t agree.
She might have had 5 acres of grass, with huge garden beds, compared to my stretch of patio, but I still consider mine a true garden.
To me, and obviously many others that garden, any small container can hold a garden.
What defines a garden? What makes one a gardener?
Can we consider it a real garden when you walk not on the soil, but on concrete? If you don’t water with a hose, but with a plastic can, is it still gardening? If you don’t own pruners are you still a gardener?
If it is only indoors, does that exclude it?
Does one cherished plant on a windowsill, in a city apartment make you a gardener if you so wish to call yourself one?
Yes, it does.
Gardening is from the heart.
It is defined by your rules, your choices, and your circumstances.
And certainly not the whims of others.
So garden as you wish, be it a small pot, or a large lot.
For you are a gardener when you love plants in your heart.
And we would have it no other way.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
Your flower shots are amazing!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your definition. Gardening is from the heart. Whether it's a child with a seedling in a paper cup or an experienced gardener with a an elaborate garden -- both can experience the joys of gardening!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with you!!! Size doesn't matter, nor how it's accomplished (containers, in-ground, etc). Fantastic post!
ReplyDeleteYour garden of photo's are just lovely. No matter where they are planted.
ReplyDeleteI so agree Jen. It is not the size that matters. Gardening from the heart is much more enjoyable anyway than those who consider it is just a job. To us it is a labor of love and that can be a single container or a plot of dirt.
ReplyDeleteJen, your photos are just spectacular! I hope to have photos half as good some day. A gardener is a gardener because they make the most out of whatever space they have. And utilize it to make and nurture their gardens. Wherever they may be. In whatever form. No matter how small or large a space you have. Some of my favorite gardens have been on small terraces.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
a garden is where it is planted whether an acre park, a kitchen garden, flower beds, containers on a patio or nothing more than a few pots of herbs in a window as long as the gardener loves it. :)
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly agree with you! And, your flower pics are GORGEOUS! I wish mine were as nice as yours! I'm going to work on my garden today! My grandmother used to have boxes of geraniums. That was her garden. To this day, I love geraniums!
ReplyDeleteIf you have only little plan that you manage to keep alive you are a gardener. We need to encourage not to discourage. Love your photos. V
ReplyDeleteI completely agree!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love your last photo...what beauty!
Amen, sista! Which reminds me....I really must get my little balcony tuned up. BTW, LOVE that last flower. What is it?
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like it was your friend who was found wanting in the true gardener sweepstakes. To me, gardeners are generous, encouraging people!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I totally agree! The idea of nurturing, whether it be a patio or Penshurst Place, is precisely the same. :)
ReplyDelete"I SO AGREE" !!!!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos full of a zest for your garden. Yes, I said it, you have a true garden.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I only garden with my camera..but hey I am happy with that! :)
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you. I think it's about the joy you get from your plants and taking care of them.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are so pretty, love the oranges. I never used to be drawn to orange flowers like I am now.
Hope you saw the sun today, it was pretty nice here.
If it is tended, it is a garden. Lovely images, lovely words, lovely post.
ReplyDeleteHear, hear. Eloquently put.
ReplyDeleteIf there's anything I've come to realize from garden blogging it's that gardens come in all shapes and sizes. Tiny balconies 20 stories up to large acreages. Vegetable gardens, perennial gardens, rock gardens. It's only limited by our imaginations.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen, I agree completely! It is the joy and sense of accomplishment that flowers give us that make even the tiniest plot a garden! Stunning photos as always. The happy orange color makes my heart sing!
ReplyDeleteOh yes Jen, gardening is from the heart, it is tending and caring for growing living things, which reward us with all the colors of the rainbow, delightful smells and beautiful visuals! I would never have questioned your garden had I seen all your potted plants! I would have probably been standing there with my mouth open in awe! I love your photos and especially the last one of the Georgina, love those flowers!!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Monday!
Hugs from me at the Eventyrhus :-)
Well said and bveautifully presented! We can't all have acre-large plots - and the gardener with a small space doesn't love his garden any less!
ReplyDeletejen, You are so right, gardening is from the heart! It always amazes me how often people believe their view of the world is superior to any one else's! gail
ReplyDeleteHopping around blogs this am & see that you are a gardener too? I host a Garden Party on thursdays' & would love to have link a post sometime.....i know many of us are still waiting for our gardens to show their green - but wanted to invite you anyway! I love finding another gardener who shares the same passion! xoox
ReplyDeleteTracie