Diary of a Gardener: Rooted in Joy: A Florida Gardener’s Guide to Growing, Healing, and Thriving Week 3
Florida Gardening: A Joyful Journey, Not a Race
In a world obsessed with perfection, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking your garden must always look like a page out of a magazine. But here's the truth, friend: gardening is not a race to some imaginary finish line. It's a relationship—a living, breathing journey.
Especially here in Florida, where the wildness of nature is impossible to fully tame, your garden will constantly shift and surprise you. And that’s the beauty of it.
Presence Over Perfection
"Your garden doesn’t have to be perfect to bring you joy."
It’s tempting to get caught up in comparisons. Scrolling Pinterest, flipping through glossy gardening magazines, or even just walking through a neighbor’s yard can stir up feelings of "I should be doing more."
But gardens—real gardens—are never about "keeping up."
They’re about being present:
Feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.
Smelling the jasmine blossoms on the breeze.
Hearing the rustle of palms in an afternoon thunderstorm.
Spotting a brand-new bud you didn't notice yesterday.
Every small moment is a celebration.
Savor the Small Wins
"One new bloom is a victory worth noticing."
You don’t have to wait for a full garden makeover to feel the joy of gardening.
Here are a few simple victories to savor:
A fresh sprout poking through the soil after a rain.
Butterflies floating over the milkweed you planted.
A hummingbird pausing for a sip at your firebush.
The sweet, earthy smell after you lay fresh mulch.
A new bud on your hibiscus, even if it's just one.
Every small sign of life, growth, or beauty is a reminder that your garden—and you—are doing just fine.
Release the Pressure
"Gardening is an act of partnership with nature, not control."
Florida gardening comes with its fair share of challenges: storms, pests, extreme heat, sudden droughts. Trying to create a "perfect" garden here is like trying to control the tides. Exhausting and impossible.
Instead, let go of the pressure:
Expect a little wildness—and even welcome it.
Know that plants will grow and fade in their own time.
Accept that there will always be a weed or two, and that’s okay.
Understand that some seasons are for planting, and some are for resting.
Gardens teach us patience, resilience, and humility. And in return, they offer us beauty, lessons, and moments of deep peace.
Tips for Cultivating Joy in Your Garden
Set down the tools occasionally and just walk your garden.
Notice what’s blooming, buzzing, or changing.Plant something just for the joy of it.
Not because it’s trendy or perfect—because it makes you smile.Create a small sit spot.
Even a simple bench or chair where you can sit with a morning coffee and listen to the world wake up.Take pictures of tiny wins.
A bud, a bee, a ray of light on a new leaf—capture the magic.Talk to your plants.
Yes, really. It fosters connection and wonder.
The most beautiful gardens aren’t the ones without flaws. They’re the ones that feel alive, welcoming, and loved.
So take a deep breath. Step into your garden. Let it be what it is today—wild, blooming, messy, imperfect, and utterly joyful.
Because this journey you’re on? It’s the real masterpiece.
