How I Cultivated Inspiration During Lockdown
Since I can remember, I've enjoyed time in the garden. There's something about digging my hands into the earth that fosters a meaningful connection to it, which I find hard to obtain elsewhere.
I take pleasure in being a caretaker for something that will later be edible.
While I can't profess to be the gardening guru I'd like to be, I have put in my fair share of hours over the years. It all started in my mother's vegetable garden when I discovered what fresh tomatoes tasted like. I remember the juice dripping down my fingers and how sweet they tasted compared to the imported ones which were mealy and tart imposters. It wasn't until many years later, I learned there were environmental impacts from buying such globe-trotting produce and started eliminating them from my diet.
My green thumb was temporarily pocketed after that, and it wasn’t until I landed into my New York City apartment when it set it free once again. The place came equipped with a terrace and afternoon sun sufficient for growing. There, I maintained a handful of flowers and plants to help me escape from the otherwise concrete world around me. Here’s a peek.
New York City Terrace Garden
But even that didn’t allow me to grow the food I wanted to and reduce my carbon footprint to the extent I believe I’m accountable to earth for.
Here in Australia's Northern Rivers, I finally got that chance. And thanks to a month-long lockdown (and counting), I decided to venture into the overgrown weed garden out back to cultivate the vegetable garden of my dreams.
Vegetable Garden (Before)
To stave the effects of soil loss and promote water retention, the sloped land first had to be terraced. I utilized sustainably cut logs to build out the rows and combat erosion. Here's a work-in-progress snapshot.
Terracing
With chickens on the way and some hungry wildlife, a fence was needed next. We hired a professional because I draw the line at mixing cement, sawing wood, and pretending for even a second that there is the slightest chance I could level something properly and not hammer a nail into my fingers.
The fence was finished today and I can't wait to train some vines and growers along the arbor to create that magnificent garden entrance I've always coveted in pictures. I’ll share some photos when it’s done.
Fencing
Each morning, I inspect every plant for growth progress and pests. The seeds I planted a few weeks back are already sprouting (not including the carrots planted in toilet paper rolls as inspired by a YouTube that came recommended by YouTube).
Moving from New York City to a place where chlorinated water is replaced by rainwater, food can be easily grown, rainforests can be explored, and dolphins and whales swim along coasts, allows me to connect with the environment in ways New York City never could. It's led to healthier choices in my life, provided nourishment for my soul, and elevated my mental wellness to peak performance. Just like the vegetation I'm tending, I've never been more inspired to expand.
Unlocking this broader space has allowed me to pursue my passions with writing and explore the things that lift me up like gardening and nature, which tops my list for writing inspirations (see High on Quokkaine for another example of what I mean).
It sounds so cliché when people say, do what you love, yet for me it couldn't be more on point. If you've read my last newsletter, you'll know I'm close to finalizing the first completed draft of my manuscript. I wonder how far I’d be if it wasn't for this life reset. Now, if I can only get my hands out of the soil and back onto the keyboard to finish it!
Share your thoughts
How do you find inspiration to do the things you love? Let me know by adding a comment below or clicking/tapping here to send a message through the Contact Form on my website.