Is it too late to say Happy New Year – surely not, although for many Jan 1 must seem like a very long time ago. Regardless, I hope the year ahead is enjoyable and rewarding for everyone.
I thought I would start the year reflecting on a statistic I found when starting up this business, being that only 60% of all gardeners in Australia, have been doing it for more than 5 years. This suggest that many who start gardening, drop off within the first 5 years. This is not too surprising when you think of all the demands on our current lifestyles and the battle that constantly needs to be waged against the weather, animals, birds, pests and blights just to get a harvest from the garden.
Although I know the disappointment inherent in seeing your hard work in the garden get washed away, eaten or destroyed before you can enjoy it, it is worth remembering that gardening is not just about the produce. It is also one of the best exercises you can get; it puts you in front of the sun and into the fresh air; and from all the specialists, being in and working with nature is one of the best things you can do for your heart, mind, spirit and health.
So please do not get too dishearten or completely put off by the challenges of gardening, see them as just part of what it is like to be a living being engaging with nature and competing for our health and wellbeing.
To help you persevere and get excited again about the opportunities, below is a list of somethings you can start to get growing in Jan.
Again, I wish you a happy and healthy 2024 and look forward to chatting more with you throughout the year.
Enjoy!
Peter