12 things about my garden!

I am a big believer in the saying 'What you focus on is what you get' and also gratitude. Over the years I have found that the questions I ask myself and the language I use really shapes my thoughts, feelings and quality of life.

I have a laminated piece of card on the shower screen that asks about 10 different questions and these help me focus when things are challenging. Sounds corny but it works. Usually when I have the greatest resistance to answering the questions is when I need it the most. Some especially challenging days I have to go through it twice and it takes a while but eventually makes me feel better . I am always amazed at how much I have to be thankful for.

The first question is "what am I happy about in my life right now?" So I thought I would change this to "what am I happy about in my garden right now?" I have found 12 things.

So here goes.... the first 6

1. My Japanese garden which is the only place nearly finished, low maintenance and the sanctuary from the rest of the messy garden it has provided.

Love the colours of nandina and forest pansy

2. The beautiful agapanthus flowers- so hardy- the nursery owners say they they are weeds but they have been a blessing in my garden. I divided some months ago and  even the ones I left and never got around to putting in the ground are flowering now. Talk about tough.

Not bad for a weed!

3. That I have actually got to finally start the box spiral in the circular English garden and how cheap plants are $1.98 from a local shop- shhhh! This used to be a lawn but never got enough light, so now it will be a contemplative spiral walk - made of Japanese spindle bush hedge that leads to a pond. I plan to gradually add to it until it gets to the middle.

Lots of growing to go but small beginnings.

bargain plants make it possible

4. That the young camellias I transplanted are surviving and looking remarkably healthy and happy.

maybe the angel is proteting the camellias from harm

5. The strawberries that look so beautiful on the plant that I am reluctant to pick them and so I end up leaving them for the birds.

6. That the water feature in the French garden finally has the right pump and works really well after several years of frustration and being idle.

she's happy to have some attention at last

So much to be happy about outside- another 6 tomorrow!