By Dottie Love, Master Gardener Intern
You can find Garding Guilt- Part One here if you missed it.
So. Last month I confessed what a slacker gardener I am. Before I retired a year ago, I was worker- beeing deep into the night with my headlamps and patio lights. I planned to spend my retirement in a jaunty hat, snipping roses while holding a wicker basket like English Ladies do. Why, I might even wear gloves!
But retirement reveals that a lack of time isn’t the problem. It’s hot. My back hurts. The strap on my headlamp makes me sweaty and itchy. I haven’t replaced my patio lightbulbs all year. I’m tired. Why, I haven’t even hooked up my four-hose manifold! I move all my tools off my chair and remove my jaunty hat, I only see all the unfinished projects.
I Google:
Methodology of Decision-making. Problem-solving Techniques.
Marie Kondo asks: “Does it spark joy?” My garden gives me more punishment than joy. Others say to make lists: Six Steps, Pros, Cons, Goals, Strategies.
- Step 1: Identify and define the problem.
- Step 2: Generate possible solutions.
- Step 3: Evaluate alternatives.
- Step 4: Decide on a solution.
- Step 5: Implement the solution.
- Step 6: Evaluate the outcome.
This looks good and organized.
- Identify. Uh, I think I covered that…
- Possible Solutions. 1) Let the geese in to eat plants; goats for shrubs; cut trees down. 2) Build she- shed that covers the yard. 3) Create miniature golf course.
- Evaluate Alternatives. 1) Dig up my garden of 15 years? 2) I have a she-shed. 3) I hate mini golf.
-
Decide. Go for nap instead.
I switch to Pros/Cons List.
Pros:
I Switch to Goals and Strategies.
Goals:
- A pretty, enjoyable, relaxing space. No backache, no heat stress, no guilt.
Strategies:
- ???