If there’s one hobby that has truly rooted itself into my life, it’s gardening. Over the past few years, our yard has slowly transformed—flowers blooming in bursts of color, berry bushes taking shape, trees stretching skyward, and vegetables sprouting from the soil. Each season brings its own surprises, and every little growth feels like a reward for the patience and care poured into the earth.
For me, gardening isn’t just about beautifying a space or harvesting fresh produce. It’s my meditation, my therapy, my way of reconnecting with nature in the simplest, most grounding way. It demands effort—there’s no denying the sweat that comes with weeding, pruning, and planting—but that hard work only makes the first buds of spring or the harvest of summer taste even sweeter.
With so much of life still centered at home, this summer feels like the perfect season to lean even more into outdoor projects. More time in the garden means more opportunities to create, to nurture, and to unwind. And the best part? You don’t need a sprawling backyard to experience the joy of gardening.
Gardening in Any Space
Whether you live in a house with a yard, an apartment with a tiny patio, or even a city studio with one sunny window, there’s a way to make gardening work for you. Large spaces might call for landscaping projects, new trees, or sprawling vegetable beds. Smaller ones can bloom with potted herbs, compact vegetables like lettuce or radishes, or trailing flowers in hanging baskets.
What matters most is cultivating a space that feels alive—one that grows with your attention and gives back in both beauty and nourishment.
Tools of the Trade
Over time, I’ve learned that the right tools can make gardening not only more efficient but also more enjoyable. Here are a few staples I rely on season after season:
- Trowel – A well-made trowel is a gardener’s best friend. I love one I recently added to my collection—it’s sturdy, reliable, and even has a leather strap for easy hanging storage.
- Foam Kneeler – Weeding and pruning are far kinder on the knees with this lightweight mat. It’s small enough to carry around the yard but saves so much discomfort.
- Lightweight Kink-Free Hose – A hose that tangles and twists is a quick way to lose patience. Investing in a durable, easy-to-store version for both the front and back yard has been a game-changer.
- Watering Wand – Perfect for reaching hanging baskets or the back corners of raised beds without straining.
- Pruning Shears – Quality shears are essential. Mine have lasted for years, and they still slice through stems and branches with ease.
- Watering Can – A large but manageable watering can is key. Big enough to avoid endless refills, but not so heavy that it turns watering into a workout.
Dressing the Part
Just like tools, the right accessories make gardening more enjoyable—and safer. A few of my must-haves:
- Straw Hat – Classic and practical, it shields your face from the sun without getting in the way while you work.
- Gardening Gloves – High-cuff gloves are invaluable for handling thorny rose bushes or tricky weeds.
- Lightweight Weeding Gloves – For everyday weeding, a snug, breathable pair keeps your hands protected while maintaining dexterity.
- Gardening Apron – Pockets are everything when you’re constantly reaching for tools or seed packets.
- Rubber Boots – Durable, comfortable, and easy to rinse off with the hose when you’re finished.
- Sunscreen – Non-negotiable. I keep a spray SPF50 for quick reapplications and a lightweight facial sunscreen like Saie Sunvisor for daily wear.
Looking Ahead
Every summer, I like to plan a new project—sometimes it’s a vegetable patch, other times a few rose bushes or a landscaping update. The beauty of gardening is that it’s never finished. There’s always something new to plant, prune, or nurture, which makes the journey just as fulfilling as the destination.
So whether your garden is a sprawling oasis or a humble collection of pots on a windowsill, the act of growing something—anything—offers the same sense of connection and calm. This season, I’m excited to add more roses to our space. What about you? What are you growing this summer?
