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Quote of the Day: Epicurus

February 2nd, 2014

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for”

-Epicurus Greek Philosopher (341 BC – 270 BC)

A fitting quote indeed as I start all over again in the garden. I’m trying to enjoy this season of my life and what it has to offer without focusing too much on what I left behind and all the work that lies ahead.
Mulching the Main Garden 4
Working in the Triangle Garden 6
Triangle Garden 5
There are many plasm in my head for this garden, but I must remember to enjoy what it is today, a blank slate. Gardening is about the process not necessarily just about the end result. It can be hard when you see all the work that lies ahead, but I’m thankful that I have 10 years of experience under my belt as I start off on this new path.

How long have you gardened in your current location? Do you have things yet to accomplish in your garden?

8 Comments to “Quote of the Day: Epicurus”
  1. Ilene on February 2, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Said so many ways, by so many people, over so many generations, it must be true! Mother Theresa — ‘Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.’

    In the same boat here. So much to do, weather is not cooperating yet. Hoping for a summer with adequate rain. Like you, making plans. Gardeners plan, Mother Nature laughs. Sometimes hysterically. She’s soooo bi-polar. Here’s to a good garden summer for us all.

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  2. Sara on February 2, 2014 at 9:46 am

    Thanks, this quote was perfect for me today :)

    We’ve been gardening our space for over 15 years! And it’s this time of year when we start thinking about maybe moving/expanding, and its good to remember both that we love what we have, and that we can take those skills with us too.

    Reply to Sara's comment

  3. Nebraska Dave on February 2, 2014 at 10:04 am

    Susy, there was a season of life that I had trouble being thankful for what I had but thankfully that season is long in the past. Gardening has always been in my life since I can remember my mother planting a garden way back when I was maybe five for six. Many times along the journey of life I tried to have a garden but was pretty much on my own as far as family help or encouragement. As a result all that pent up gardening desire is now coming out with a passion.

    My back yard garden beds (four 4X8 raised) have actually been in the back yard (one bed) for almost twenty years but only actively growing something for five of those twenty years. Then there’s Terra Nova Gardens which has only existed for two years. It looks like I’m going to have a set back this year due to lead testing but it only means I get to completely redesign it and start over with a better design. I could possibly have the time to catch up on some Urban Ranch projects that have been left unfinished for a couple years.

    Gardening in the past was always a hurry up and get it done before the family complains kind of thing. The time spent gardening even though it came from a passion of life was not too pleasurable. So now in this retired season of life, I can spend days without the responsibilities to other things, and devote the time to a pleasurable experience no matter if accomplishments are made or not. The entire experience is just about being in the garden watching the wild life, physical exercise, growing a few vegetables, talking with neighbors, and, if I’m lucky, harvesting and preserving a few things for winter savoring.

    Long comment to say yes I have started over with many gardens and loved them all. Have a great garden building day.

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  4. Marina on February 2, 2014 at 10:49 am

    Six years ago, we move here from a very busy life tending 160 acres of woods and meadows and running a 21 room inn. Though we had space and land, much like you do, we did not have the time to garden or work with our land.

    We now live in the heart of a lovely New England village, and I have met so many people and fellow gardeners who see me in the garden.

    I executed my big plans, on 2 acres, much more modest than yours, and now I get to tweak and nurture, and I am content with where it is. We have five 10×4 raised beds, six beds of berries and a moon shaped garlic and strawberry bed, where the squashes run wild after the garlic harvested. Six arbors connect the beds and I grow all kinds of beautiful beans for storage on them.

    You seem to approach everything in a very methodical way, and after a few more years, your vision will suddenly be complete. I am a French woman who lived in England and got the bug there, and not until I saw your potager plans did I wish for a traditional French style layout.

    My big accomplishment for last year was to learn to mulch effectively for water retention and minimal weeding, and I saved so much time I was almost- tempted to make more beds.

    Our biggest challenge is to find the balance between was is possible and what we can manage and still have a little time for other pursuits. Every meal made in winter from our garden is a joy that completes the circle for me.

    You have accomplished so much already, I bet that you will find this year you really reap the rewards of your soil preparation and that it get easier, as you reclaim and tame your yard.

    Thank you for sharing and inspiring!

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  5. Texan on February 2, 2014 at 8:26 pm

    so very timely….. I needed to read this! thanks

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  6. Annie on February 2, 2014 at 11:46 pm

    7 years and yes, there is much to accomplish. Our soils will forever need improving (they’re some of the worst in the country), there are fruit trees to plant (we’ve put in 7 but it’s a gradual process because we have so much room), the poison ivy is still not eradicated, the fences are still only partially up, more vegetable beds will probably be built (although soon I’m going to have to start selling it or giving it away). We plan to move as early as 2 years but no more than 5 and the thought of starting over really is ok. I’ve built a lot of gardens over the years and I quite like that part (not to mention I’m looking forward to better native soil to work with!)

    Reply to Annie's comment

  7. Ron W on February 3, 2014 at 10:52 am

    I have made several half-hearted attempts at gardening over the years. Half-hearted doesn’t work for anything, and gardening is no exception. Don’t follow my example! Be one of those people I admire from the sidelines.

    Reply to Ron W's comment

  8. Chris on February 3, 2014 at 6:14 pm

    I have gardened here for 24 yrs. and like you, had 10 yrs. under my belt at our first home. But gardens are like people…no two alike and are continually growing, changing, evolving. Always a work in progress and by work, I mean…passion! :)
    Starting a brand new garden like you are would be like beginning to paint something on a blank canvas. And I’m sure yours will be a masterpiece! :)

    Reply to Chris's comment

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This is a daily journal of my efforts to cultivate a more simple life, through local eating, gardening and so many other things. We used to live in a small suburban neighborhood Ohio but moved to 153 acres in Liberty, Maine in 2012.

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