My small back porch (12 X 12 maybe) is normally covered in flowers during the summer. This year, in addition to all the flowers, I have zucchini, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes and green peppers in containers. I have 6 rail deck planters with nasturtiums, trailing petunias, sweet peas, sweet potato vines, coleus, on and on...... and so many various pots and patio trees that there is only room for one lounge chair and I've added a low beach chair for the doggie (I had 2 lounge chairs but had to move 1 as no room with all the plants!) I have string butterfly solar lights draped around the railings. Sit out there late in the evening and just relish in the serenity. This has been my therapy. I have a friend doing the same and she and I are exchanging plants constantly (we visit on the front porch, socially distancing)
All my garden beds and both porches are thriving with the attention they've received. Have really enjoyed the result of my therapy. The other day my precious neighbor asked me to walk over with the dog to tour his garden. In 9 years of living here and constant communicating from street, across the street, just inside each other's door, etc - I had never been to his backyard. Absolutely amazing , I thought his front yard put me to shame. His entire yard surrounding his home is adorned with beautiful, ,lush plants. All beds edged, many with low stacked stone edgings, etc. Not a weed in sight, in his entire yard and gardens! Plus a veggie garden. this man is 84 years old and a retired minister and seminary professor. The gentlest soul I have ever had pleasure of meeting. He is my true inspiration. The most active man I know - of any age. He volunteers, belongs to a hiking group and routinely hikes 5 miles hikes a few times a week. He sits on his front porch early morning and late evenings, praying for his neighbors. He makes me realize I need to do better.
