07/30/2026
July.
The gardens hit their stride this month.
Dahlias finally took off. The front borders are finally starting to feel balanced after years of tweaking. The gravel made its way into the vegetable + cut flower garden. Monarch caterpillars arrived.
Personally, July looked a little different.
I’ve been in a bit of a funk. Stressed. Flat. Frankly- Uninspired.
My therapist, said something that immediately clicked: “Your nervous system is shot.”
I hated hearing it because I hate slowing down.
I love my ambition. I love building things. I love making progress. As Monty Don once said, “I relax by doing things.” and I feel that in my bones.
So instead of living in my usual hyperdrive, achievement mode, I tried to channel that energy differently.
I’ve spent more time tending the garden instead of constantly improving it. Pottering around with a cup of coffee. Rereading ACOTAR like the romantasy fiend that I am. Making what felt like twelve different zucchini recipes to keep up with what’s growing. Playing with the kids. Staying outside simply because I wanted to. Obsessing over the birds at the feeders.
The funny thing is, this has been the most I’ve enjoyed summer since I was a kid.
Family dinners outside. Kids running wild through the yard. Michael and I figuring out how to hang on to the 3 pears we’ve managed to grow. Fresh flowers on the counter. More cherry tomatoes than we know what to do with.
Maybe that’s because I’ve spent less time trying to produce a perfect summer and more time simply participating in one.
Here’s to soaking in these last few weeks of summer.
August, I’m ready for you.💚
