Gardening as an Exercise in Self-Forgiveness

For some of us, this “garden” thing we do is as much about love as it is an exercise in self-forgiveness.

Every year, those of us brave souls who suffer the challenges of less-than-green thumbs are right back at it. VICUSCHKA/Shutterstock

With the blue sky overhead, fresh green grass underfoot, and a warm, gentle breeze to my back, the hike up the nature preserve is light.

Having spent the morning in the garden, I felt my initial enthusiasm wane as thoughts drifted over my shortcomings as a gardener. We live in an area surrounded by flourishing CSAs, rolling farmland, and picture-perfect, high-yielding backyard vegetable gardens. On days like this, the risk to throw in the trowel and head to the farmers market is high.