A question about what I do normally in my garden, now can't, and what I should do about it.

[Denninmi]

Um, well, I have a problem in my life, it seems, and I don't know what to do about taking care of my plants and garden anymore. The past month, especially, I have let it slide. I've watered potted things enough to keep them alive. That is all.

I am sick. I'll spare the gory details for those who don't know or care to know.

And I don't know for sure if I will be up to speed in the future. It seems quite likely by spring I could be feeling great again, the treatment plan that doctors are going to start in about a week may offer significant hope for improvement to a state of normal health and energy, albeit on constant medications, monitoring, blood testing for the rest of my life. So I could be fine. In fact, that is the most likely outcome of this, that I'll get on medications and life will be back to normal.

But now, I am a mess. And fall is here, which means extensive cleanup, time to bring in all of the potted plants, those issues.

And I don't know if I'm up to it. As much as I hate the idea, I also know that the financial costs of my illness will mean in the future, I wont' be able to spend casually, only on things I NEED to survive. So, if I destroy everything now, I'll never have it back.

And if I don't destroy it, which would be the fast and easy way, I'm not sure I'm able to do what I need to do for fall cleanup.

And honestly, there isn't a single person I can ask for real life/physical help right now, so I am on my own.

So, trash it all, mourn it, and move on, or try to save what I can and hope the future is better?

[eShirl]

1. it doesn't have to be all or nothing, does it?

can you save a few? one or two, maybe?
maybe you could give some away instead of destroying them. I'd put an ad in craigslist.com, "adopt a plant; you come pick it up" - that is a way to spread the enjoyment to others and means one less thing to look after or clean up.

all my best wishes to you, Denninmi



-eShirl

[syberyenta]

2. Take it one day at a time

Your letter is heaping future worries on present worries and creating quite a burden.
Put it down for a minute and relax.

There are things in this life that we cannot control, and concentrating on them takes away our energy from those things which we CAN control.

Try to take things easy and one day at a time.

If there is something you can DO about 'next week', (besides worry, of course), then DO it.

Otherwise, do what you can do and leave the rest.

I hope this helps.

You should certainly share these concern with your doctor or doctors.
Especially the feeling that you're totally on your own.

$0.02

[hedgehog]

3. Bring in one pot at a time, one every hour.

As for clean-up, I know that things can be let go for a year or so.


I notice you live in the Detroit metro area - maybe there are some DU'ers who could help?

[elleng]

4. Save what you can one day at a time

with our love, Den.

[Curmudgeoness]

5. You are starting the think this through early, and that is good.

You just do what you can, and when you feel it is possible. One thing a day? Of course that may mean you don't get it all, but save the things you really love first. I wish I was closer....no one should be completely alone and have no help. I have never been to Detroit. Maybe I should plan a little trip. I live alone too and often feel that I have no help, but when I have asked neighbors and friends, they have been there for me. But you have to ask.

[mopinko]

6. have a plant sale?

be good to yourself. it is what it is.

[beac]

7. Wish I lived closer and could offer you physical help.

I do understand your anguish. I know I am emotionally as well as financially invested in my garden. I think you should try and keep whatever you think you could manage and still have it be therapeutic rather than burdensome.

As for the rest, Craigslist might be a way to make a little money.

Or, you could donate some of your plants to a community garden like this one: http://www.georgiastreetcc.com/IN-THE-GARDEN.html so you could still visit them now and then.

I know I'd be willing to send you some cuttings in future to help rebuild your collection if/when you are ready and I'll bet other DU gardeners would do the same.


Don't get discouraged. Do what you can handle. Know that you're not alone.

[HopeHoops]

8. I just let things run their course and then compost the remains. There's always next spring.