Nursing the Garden

10/05/2025

Continuing my journey of trying something new each week…I’ve started Basketball. I’ve officially played basketball for 2 hours with a group of like minded women who have absolutely no idea how to play. Picture ‘Cool Running’s’ 😂. I’ve had an absolute blast learning new skills and getting to know new people.

Below is a sketch of my son’s first pair of basketball shoes, which he has passed on as my first pair of basketball shoes- now if only they could pass on his talent.

Social connection is so important, particularly as my children grow older and more independent. Plus I’m having lots of fun learning new skills.

08/05/2025

I cut my hair. No, I really cut my hair. It’s a short curly pixie, not the shaggy bob I have been rocking for the last 5 years.

There is lots of psychology around why women make drastic hair changes. For me, I think it’s about reinvention, and a goodbye to an old version of me.

Next time you have a wish for a drastic change, consider what that could be representing?

Below are some quick sketches of Sunbury Village Green prior to my appointment (nothing to do with haircuts)

07/05/2025

Setting Boundaries -
I’m a people pleaser and find it hard to set boundaries. I end up saying “Yes” to everything and everyone. That leaves no time for me and the things that are important.

It’s a fast way to burnout/breakdown/chronic stress.

I’m slowly learning that setting boundaries isn’t a fence, keeping everything out, but rather it is a gate letting in what is precious. And I get to control what comes through the gate.

Artwork is my own 🥰

04/05/2025

Midlife Reinvention?

As my children are morphing into independent young adults, I am finding I am loosing my identity as a mother. I am not needed as much. Anyone else feel the same?

Rather than dwell on the feeling of being rejected, this is an opportunity for me to get out and find a new identity.

Being social is so important to our wellbeing, even for introverts like me. This weekend I participated in an event that got me out of the house all day. I had a fantastic day where I interacted with lots of people and met new acquaintances. (Check out the very friendly non human interaction I had on Saturday night ⬇️). I was so much fun, and the family survived just fine without me.

What are you doing to create new connections in midlife?

26/04/2025

“If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done.” — Thomas Jefferson.

And that is exactly what I did yesterday. I attended a watercolour pencil natures sketch class. I have a long way to go, but I am inspired by this easy and transportable painting medium. I am looking forward to creating some beautiful garden journals.

Thanks to alissaduke1 for the class and showing her beautiful journals. And thanks to dromkeen for the delicious coffee and lemon meringue pie.

22/04/2025

Officially married to this handsome man for half my life 👰🏻‍♀️🤵🏼 (25 years).

Has it been easy - yes and no. On the great days it is very easy, but I would be lying if I didn’t say that there are tough days.

I heard someone describe marriage like a row boat. Find someone who wants to stay in the boat with you. And make sure you want to get in the boat with them. It’s a long journey, the seas get rough in a few years, and the storms will challenge you. You will get tired of rowing at times but as long as one of you is prepared to paddle you will still move forward. Just stay in the boat.

I am proud that the young woman in the photo found someone who is prepared to jump in the boat with her and row like crazy 🛶🌊

01/01/2025

Self care is not selfish. ❤️🌷

12/12/2024

🌱 Feeling Burnt Out? Find Calm in Your Garden 🌸

This one is personal, but extremely important. Burnout is more common than we like to admit. Burnout can leave us feeling drained, overwhelmed, and disconnected.

In my latest blog post, I explore:
✔️ The signs and symptoms of burnout
✔️ Practical self-care strategies to manage stress
✔️ How gardening can provide a sense of purpose and mindfulness

💚 For me, my garden is more than just a hobby—it’s my sanctuary. I find peace among the plants, and I’ve learned how the simple act of nurturing them can nurture me in return.

✨ Are you ready to learn how gardening can help you, too? Click the link below to read the full article and start your journey to mindfulness and well-being today.

🌼 Nursing the Garden or is the Garden Nursing us?🌿

Feeling overwhelmed, fatigued, and withdrawn? Recognise the signs of burnout and learn self-management strategies in this insightful gardening blog post.

09/12/2024

Meet The Waste Management Eggsecutive Team
- Teriyaki (Teri) Chicken, Charcoal (Charli) Chicken, and The Twins, Peri Peri Chicken.

They are based in Cluckingham Palace, and they are integral to the recycling system in my garden.

The Flock’s Motto: ‘Eggs-traordinary productivity, one yolk at a time’

The girls have one mission: to produce more eggs than our family of four could ever hope to eat. Seriously, they’re taking ‘overachiever’ to a whole new level.

Here’s the situation:
Daily Egg Deposits - Every day, I find eggs waiting for me.
Result:
Creative Cooking Needed - I’m not very creative when it comes to eggs.

They may be a bit egg-cessive, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. And with this much fresh goodness on hand, I’m looking for egg-citing ways to use them.

What’s your go-to healthy recipe that uses lots of eggs? Drop your ideas in the comments—I need all the inspiration I can get to keep up with The Girls. Bonus points for recipes that freeze well.

07/12/2024

When Your Garden Takes Over (and Why That’s Not Always a Bad Thing!)

Sometimes my garden has its own ideas—like this parsnip that decided the path was the perfect place to set up camp. But who am I to argue when it’s covered in ladybirds doing their thing?🐞

Letting plants go to seed might seem like laziness (and okay, maybe I did procrastinate pulling this one out), but it’s actually a win for the garden’s ecosystem.

Here’s why:
• Food for Beneficial Insects: Flowering plants like this parsnip attract ladybirds and other pollinators that keep pests in check and support a healthy garden.
• Natural Reseeding: This rogue parsnip will dropped seeds to grow next season’s crop—free plants, anyone?
• Biodiversity Boost: The more life you encourage in your garden, the healthier and more resilient it becomes.

Yes, this Parsnip plant is in the way. Yes, I’ve sidestepped it more times than I can count. But I couldn’t bear to disturb the ladybirds and bees 🐝 making it their home. Besides, isn’t it nice when nature does the work for you?

Do you let plants go to seed in your garden? What’s popped up in unexpected places? Share your stories (or gardening chaos) in the comments—I’d love to know I’m not alone in letting the garden call the shots sometimes 🤦🏻‍♀️

05/12/2024

Why Gardening Isn’t Just a Hobby—It’s Therapy

Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or disconnected? Your solution could be right outside your door,

Gardening isn’t just about planting flowers or growing vegetables—it’s a way to nurture your mind and body. Studies show that spending time in the garden can reduce stress, improve mood, and even lower blood pressure.

Here’s why:
•🪴Connection with Nature: Gardening grounds us, reminding us to slow down and be present.
• 🚶Physical Activity: Digging, planting, and weeding offer gentle exercise that keeps us active.
• 👏🏻Sense of Accomplishment: Watching something you’ve nurtured grow can boost self-confidence and resilience.

As a nurse, I’ve used gardening to provide a sense of purpose and unintentional mindfulness activity each day

Are you ready to experience the therapeutic benefits of gardening? Tell me in the comments: what’s one plant or flower you’d love to grow? 🌱

If you’re looking for beginner-friendly tips to get started, check out more resources on my website (www.nursingthegarden.com) or follow ‘Nursing the Garden’ for practical advice and inspiration.

05/12/2024

🌻 Throwback Thursday 🌻

Do you remember the empty supermarket shelves during the early days of COVID? It was a wake-up call for so many of us. For me, it brought the reality of food insecurity close to home.

Back then, my garden was valuable. With limited access to fresh produce, I knew that I had developed a bit of self sufficiency. It wasn’t perfect, but it taught me the incredible value of growing even a small part of what we eat.

I had access to fresh lettuce, beans, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, tomatoes and many herbs. I had a sense of control in an uncertain time. Plus, nothing beats the taste of homegrown food! 🍅🥬

Now, I garden not just for my family but to inspire others. Whether you're just starting or have been growing for years, gardening is a powerful way to take care of yourself and your community. 🌱💚

Did you start gardening during COVID? I'd love to hear your story!