We had terrible technical difficulties shortly after I last posted. It ended with both our computers being banned to the storage room until we can get a person we trust to take apart its pieces bit by bit and then put it all back together. Both were already at its last legs this last month or so, but on April 2, I had one go up in smoke (literally), and the other completely incapable of navigating through the internet.
It was quite a shock not to have The Internets at the ready. Sure, I had my trusty phone that can access the web, but really, a 2 x 2 screen just doesn't cut it. I had to find other things to do besides visit my favorite blogs and write. It was a very lonely first couple of days.
Then I decided to pick myself out of my helplessness and figure out this whole gardening thing, with the help of my Dad, who coached me on the phone and through emails I was able to access.
Yeah, who knew that this would happen? I have spent all of my adult life proudly proclaiming that I was a black thumb, avoiding nurseries, bypass pruners and potting mix. Never mind that my dad has flowers, trees, and fruit bursting from his backyard, boasting organically grown harvests.
I think he was in total awe that I asked him to bring the plants in our home back to life.
When we moved here last year, I didn't even know that these roses existed, and nor did I search for previously planted treasures. I treated all greenery as, well, bushes. Eventually I thought that they would be nurtured by the sun and rain, right? I was most concerned that we had grass for the children to play on, and by golly, it was mowed every 2 weeks.
Then, I saw a bud on one of these mangled bushes, and I suddenly realized that 1. These were flowers. 2. They are on my property. 3. So I should really take care of them.
I was hesitant to get my hands dirty! For a few days I didn't kneel on the ground, and I jumped at every sight of an earthworm or bug, and at every tug of a thorn. But my dad's speeches on his spiritual connections with his plants got me through, and I found a link in common with him.
Gardening is his craft. And I made the decision to learn it.
And so a part time Rosarian I will eventually become (by organic methods, of course)...hopefully with much hands-on study, and my Dad at my side.
