A Simple Way to Connect with Your Inner Gardener

Let’s go on a journey—a journey to discover the hidden gardener within you. You see, everyone's path to gardening is unique, and filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. For me, it was a gradual awakening, a realization that the love for nature had always been deep within and waiting to bloom.

I can't pinpoint the exact moment when gardening became a part of who I am. It was as if it had always been there, waiting for the right moment to reveal itself. If you had asked me to describe a gardener, I would have painted a picture of my PawPaw—an 80-year-old man with jean overalls coming and going out of his hot house (aka greenhouse) tending to rows of vegetables on an acre plot of land or rather a large neighborhood lot that felt enormous to me as a young girl.

But me? A gardener? It seemed absurd to think. I was merely tending to the yard, planting a flower here and there that I’d picked up from a Home Improvement store or giving a shrub a much-needed haircut. Little did I know, those seemingly insignificant tasks were the seeds of a profound transformation, leading me down a path of connection and discovery.

So, what changed in me? Or rather, who changed me? It's a question that often elicits a chuckle or a quizzical glance from those who hear my story. But this blog isn't about the who—it's about the what. It's about that one simple task that I still do every time I step out into my garden, and how it helped me begin to shift my perspective and ignite my inner passion for gardening.

So, here’s the one simple task I want you to do:

Step outside, phone in hand, and let your eyes wander. Find a plant, a tree, or simply a spot that speaks to you. Now, here's the fun part—start taking photos. The first few shots might be blurry or awkwardly framed, but don't be discouraged. Keep clicking away, exploring different angles, observing the intricacies of nature unfolding before your lens.

As you immerse yourself in this visual journey, ask yourself:

What am I seeing? Is a small bug walking across the leaf, the tender emergence of a bud, or the graceful unfurling of a leaf? Take your time, savoring each moment, allowing curiosity to be your guide.

With each photo, you'll begin to see something that’s been there this whole time, you just didn’t notice it. Save your photos and refer back to them. Repeat again, and again, changing the day and timing.

What are you discovering? Are you uncovering hidden treasures and subtle nuances that spark joy and wonder?

And therein lies the magic—the simple act of observation becomes a gateway to connection, bridging the gap between you and the natural world around you.

I encourage you to not shy away from this photographic adventure. Don’t let the concerns of neighbors or passersby deter you. Let curiosity be your compass and lead you to a renewed sense of wonder. This one simple task is powerful and can awaken your inner gardener and cultivate a deeper bond with the world outside your doorstep.  

Until next time, may your days be filled with sunshine, rain, and the gentle rhythm of nature's symphony.

With love and blooms,

Amanda Rae

Have you seen My Garden? I invite you to stroll through my garden and take what you need. Whether it's ideas, tips, or inspiration, it's all here for the harvesting.