Sometimes, it’s all about luck and gratitude in the garden.
This year, our commitment to our crops took a back seat. We spent a considerable amount of time in Austria and even rented out our house. We genuinely relied on pure luck, fully prepared for things to perhaps not pan out as planned. But oh, how fortunate we’ve been!
I had planted a substantial amount of potatoes, and they’ve thrived more than I could have hoped for. A little test dig confirmed a rewarding yield. I’d always hoped the potatoes would at least show some progress. But the real astonishment? The zucchini!
In a bid to have something robust enough to compete with the weeds, I decided on zucchini plants. I sowed a bunch of seeds in small pots and almost all of them sprouted within days. Once they reached a height of 5-10 cm, I transplanted them to the garden bed, gave them a good watering, and headed off to Austria. Since then, I hadn’t touched them. No watering, no weeding – nothing. And now, I’ve reaped the first harvest: a whopping 3 kg! Absolutely mind-blowing!
It’s nothing short of miraculous that the plants neither withered from drought, got devoured by slugs, nor rotted away. It was a gamble that could’ve gone either way. Relying on such a carefree approach isn’t typically recommended. But I’m delighted I took a chance. This experience has instilled a newfound peace in me. It’s a reminder that not everything in the garden needs meticulous attention or perfectly timed sowing. Sometimes, things just work out – with a sprinkle of luck, of course!
A Heartfelt Note of Gratitude
In reflection, this unexpected bounty from the garden has served as a beautiful reminder of life’s unexpected gifts. It’s easy to become entwined in our meticulous plans and efforts, often forgetting that nature, with its rhythm and wisdom, often has its own designs. This year, as I look at the flourishing zucchini and the thriving potatoes, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Not just for the produce, but for the humbling lessons and the joy of witnessing the garden’s resilient spirit. It teaches us to appreciate the surprises, to be thankful for the little miracles, and to always remain hopeful. Because sometimes, when left to its devices, nature unfurls in ways more wondrous than we could have ever orchestrated. So, here’s to every unplanned bounty, every stroke of luck, and every moment of pure, unanticipated joy. Thank you, Mother Nature, for the blessings in disguise.
Read about the insights and aspirations that shaped this year’s gardening plans here.
Grounded gardens 