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patricia92243

(12,811 posts)
1. You have my sympathy and understanding. Arthritis started last year and is active
Fri Apr 26, 2013, 03:37 AM
Apr 2013

again this year. Not sure if I will garden next year or not.

mopinko

(71,713 posts)
2. about to find out.
Fri Apr 26, 2013, 07:16 AM
Apr 2013

just got that dx. in fact, haven't got my splints yet. like i don't have enough bullshit.
but ya just gotta plow on through. the seasons do not wait on you.

AndyA

(16,993 posts)
3. Hopefully you enjoy gardening enough that any pain will be worth it
Fri Apr 26, 2013, 12:26 PM
Apr 2013

I'm just now getting into gardening out of necessity. I have yet to find any enjoyment in it, but perhaps when I finally get my yard to the point where it isn't the worst in the neighborhood, I'll find some satisfaction in my efforts. I hear gardening is helpful in relieving stress for some, but for me it just adds to it!

Be careful and I hope the end result is worth it for you!

uppityperson

(115,837 posts)
4. The decorative gardens are getting minimal work done, veggie garden slowly prepared and planted
Fri Apr 26, 2013, 12:31 PM
Apr 2013

If I dig a little every couple days, eventually it will be done. Fortunately (?) we have a slow cold spring so no rush as most seed will just rot if planted now.

The way I minimize my stress is never compare to someone else's yard, figure out what likes to grow and use that rather than what you might want, and have low enough expectations that you know some day it will look good. Slow is good. By the time I am 150, it will be really nice here.

AndyA

(16,993 posts)
5. I'm certain a big part of my stress is comparing my yard to the neighbor's!
Fri Apr 26, 2013, 01:11 PM
Apr 2013

The people across the street have a lawn that looks like a golf course, and trees and beds that look like the entry to a country club.

Also adding to my stress is the fact that several neighbors have mentioned that my yard used to be the most beautiful in the neighborhood. The people who lived in my house before me lived here for almost 48 years, and during most of that time had what amounted to a full time staff to maintain the place.

That's not an option for me, so I'll have to be satisfied with doing what I can, and learning along the way.

I'm glad you're taking it slow. Slow sounds good to me. I'll think of your advice while I'm taking it slow this summer, trying to undo the damage of two very hot, dry summers where the house sat empty and things deteriorated rapidly without the care they formerly had. I enjoy a beautiful yard, but will have to be satisfied with small progress for the next few years.

I'd love to have a veggie garden, but that's way down near the bottom of the list. Eating healthy veggies is a good choice for everyone, and when you grow your own you know for certain what you're eating. Good luck to you, and I hope your carpal tunnel doesn't slow you down too much!

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