Back to school means heading back to the garden too! Learn valuable life lessons from nature’s classroom – patience, resilience, and the joy of growth.
The crisp air of autumn always brings back a flood of memories for me. It’s that time of year when my kids would head back to school, backpacks filled with fresh supplies, and a nervous excitement for the year ahead.
Now, with my nest nearly empty, the back-to-school season has taken on a new meaning. It’s a time of reflection, a time to look back on the lessons learned not just in classrooms, but in the garden as well.
Over the years, my garden has been more than just a hobby; it’s been a teacher, a confidante, and a source of endless joy. I’ve spent countless hours working, finding peace, and growing as a gardener.
As the leaves begin to turn and the days grow shorter, I find myself drawn to the garden more than ever, seeking solace and wisdom in its quiet beauty.
I want to share some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in the hopes that they’ll inspire you to enjoy your own garden this fall, and perhaps even discover a few life lessons along the way.
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1. Patience is a Virtue
I remember planting my first sunflower seedlings with my middle daughter, Shana, who was eager to see them grow into bright, cheerful blooms. But as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, I realized that gardening, like parenting, requires patience.
Just as children develop at their own pace, so do plants. There’s no rushing the process, no skipping ahead to the final product. The real joy lies in the journey, in watching the gradual unfolding of life.
To this end, I’ve had my experiences with hydrangeas and lilacs that took several years to bloom. Each year, they’d leaf out and look healthy but not bloom. And this is where that patience comes into play.
Because some plants need to time to establish a good root system in their garden before they start producing those big beautiful blooms. So don’t scrap that plant too soon. Give it time and you’ll be rewarded in spades with lots of beautiful blooms or an abundant harvest of produce.
2. Embrace the Mistakes
Oh, the mistakes I’ve made in the garden! I’ve planted seeds too deep, not pulled weeds that eventually got out of control, underwatered AND overwatered my plants, and battled countless pests and diseases.
But with each misstep, I’ve learned something new. I’ve learned that even the most experienced gardeners make mistakes, and that’s okay. It’s all part of the learning process. Just like in life, it’s important to be resilient, to pick yourself up, and try again.
3. Every Season Has Its Lessons
My garden has taught me to appreciate the beauty of each season. Spring is a time of hope and renewal, as tiny shoots emerge from the earth. Summer is a time of abundance, with vibrant flowers and overflowing harvests. Fall is a time of reflection and gratitude, as the garden prepares for its winter slumber. And winter, while seemingly quiet, is a time of rest and rejuvenation, a necessary pause before the cycle begins anew.
Just as in life, there are seasons of growth, productivity, introspection, and rest. Embracing each season for what it is allows us to appreciate the full spectrum of life’s experiences. It’s one of the reasons I’ll likely never give up living and growing my gardens in a four-season state.
4. Diversity is Key
Over the years, I’ve learned that a healthy garden, like a healthy community, thrives on diversity. A monoculture of plants is vulnerable to pests and diseases, just as a homogenous society is susceptible to groupthink and intolerance. By planting a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs, I’ve created a resilient ecosystem that supports a wide range of pollinators and beneficial insects.
Companion planting and growing natives can bring a wealth of natural pest control and help your garden grow better without the use of pesticides. By cultivating different plants, you expand your knowledge and learn what grows best in your garden and climate.
5. Nurture and Care
Just as children need love and attention to thrive, so do your plants. Providing my garden with the right amount of water, sunlight, and nutrients has taught me the importance of care and responsibility.
I’ve learned to listen to the needs of my plants, to observe their subtle cues, and to respond accordingly. This attentiveness has spilled over into other areas of my life, reminding me to be present and responsive to the needs of those around me.
It’s important stop and savor the small moments when a hummingbird drops by or listen to your garden buzzing with life while you work. You not only care for your garden, but also nurture your soul.
6. The Importance of Teamwork
My garden is a testament to the power of collaboration. From the earthworms aerating the soil to the bees pollinating the flowers, every creature plays a vital role in the garden’s success.
It’s a reminder that we are all interconnected, that our actions have ripple effects on the world around us. By working together, we can create something truly beautiful and sustainable.
In pursuit of improving teamwork in the gardens, embrace native plants in your locality like coneflowers, rudbeckia, tickseed, and agastache. They are easy to grow, easy to care for and will benefit your gardens and the environment by encouraging pollinators and beneficial insects to keep things thriving.
7. Frame Your Views
One of my favorite things to do is to sit by the window and admire the view of my garden. I’ve carefully planned my plantings so that there’s something to enjoy in every season, even when it’s too cold to be outside.
When we moved to our current home, I painted over all of the heavy and dark faux finishes in our home because it was obstructing the view of the gorgeous gardens outdoors. It’s so important to enjoy your gardens both outdoors and in.
Whether it’s the vibrant colors of spring bulbs, the lush greenery of summer foliage, or the fiery hues of fall leaves, my garden provides a feast for the eyes year-round. It’s a reminder to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, even in the most mundane moments.
8. Plant with Aroma in Mind
My garden is a symphony of scents. From the sweet perfume of roses to the calming fragrance of lavender, each plant adds its unique note to the landscape. I’ve learned to choose plants not just for their visual appeal, but also for their aromatic qualities. The result is a garden that engages all the senses, creating a truly immersive experience.
When planting your garden, think about planting aromatic flowers near places where you’ll sit and enjoy the beautiful aroma.
Plant hyacinths and lilacs for spring. Roses and lavender for summer. Grow lots of herbs and mix them in among your garden flowers.
9. Color Your World
I’ve always been drawn to vibrant colors, and my garden is no exception. I love experimenting with different combinations of flowers, foliage, and textures to create a tapestry of color. Whether it’s the bold contrast of purple and orange, or the subtle harmony of pastels, my garden is a constant source of inspiration. And most often, the best plant combo’s are the ones I pulled together just from playing around and last minute decisions.
10. Keep a Garden Journal
Over the years, I’ve kept a detailed journal of my gardening adventures. It’s a record of my successes and failures, my experiments and observations. It’s also a treasure trove of memories, filled with stories of family gatherings, quiet moments of contemplation, and the simple joy of watching things grow.
I’m so excited to share my passion for garden journaling with you in my new planner, releasing March 2025. It’s the perfect tool to help you capture your own garden’s story. It’s a great tool to use with your garden. Preorder it here.
Final Thoughts About the Gardening Lessons I’ve Learned
As the back-to-school season approaches, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the lessons your garden has taught you. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there’s always something new to learn from nature. So get out there, dig in the dirt, and let the garden be your teacher. You might be surprised at what you discover about yourself and the world around you.
Remember, the garden is more than just a collection of plants; it’s a reflection of our own lives, a testament to our resilience, creativity, and capacity for growth. So let’s embrace the lessons it has to offer and continue to learn and grow, both in the garden and beyond.
To drill down on more beginner gardening techniques and tips, please read these posts:
Thank you for visiting the blog today!
Enjoy your day! xo
