Gardening Songline
Stumbling Beginnings and Finding Happiness.
My surgeon father’s ignorance of gardening only matched by mine. Admired them walked in them, Cannot remember time in childhood working their soil.
Second bedroom home to clutter and must-keep-this items, Cupboards stuffed piles on floor, Over years periodically re-organised bedroom to welcome kids with spouses as they organised houses and flats.
One day, Impulsive decision, Bedroom makeover loads to landfill, Painted walls ignored ceiling, Even cleaned cupboards, 2012 empty room.
Started Phd, Lecturing and tutoring, Lifestyle change, University campus, What’s for lunch? Only thing appealing salads with sprouts.
Sitting down noisy cafeteria, Space around me Who wants to sit near grumps?
Plastic cutlery, Plastic container, Healthy expectations, First taste, Sweet?
Talked to cafe, Staff explained had to make sprouts appealing, Low calorie artificial sweetener, Not for me. Made own salads while seeking organic solution.
Gardening adventure started with growing trays of sprouts, Bumper crops, family overdosed, In desperation son suggested grow plants for family gardens and stop sprouts, “Dad make your own soups and savory dishes, Take thermos to university!”.
LED Grow Lights.
Spurred by curiosity purchased first LED lights, Now third generation, Grew snapdragons and nasturtiums, Vegetables and 3 fruit trees, Even tried aquaponics, Now sprouting Australian gums.
With my lights and information decided to stress test new environment, Grow something tropical and exotic.
Choose vanilla vine, Best impulsive ill-thought out decision ever made!
Bought cutting and planted 2016, Now over 50 metres, Two good harvests Thriving and strong.
Gardening songline’s narrative in Starkers starts with LED lights, Meanders over time, Driven and inspired by whimsy and curiosity, Given life peace and positive mental attitude, Every morning pottering and watering tending and adjusting brings smile for rest of day.
Hope you enjoy Garden’s songline as narrative develops.
Blessed be.
