Spring is here!
We’ve made it through the time change and a LOT of rainy days. It is finally time for those of us who garden to get out and put our hands in the dirt. This is what we’ve been waiting for! We head out to garden centers and buy way too many seeds and plants. We seek out garden hats, overalls, boots, and tools as well.
There’s one item we tend to overlook when we are planning a garden and that is a garden tote. It seems rather silly and frivolous, and I never thought I needed one.
My son, however, was of another mind. He takes great pride in buying me the most random gifts he can find. One year, I opened up left-handed garden shears. Who knew such a thing existed? I didn’t, but I was thrilled to receive them and they’re all I use now.
So, when I opened up a beige garden bag, I shouldn’t have been surprised. I did wonder though how much I’d really use it. Would it end up being a “closet gift”, you know, the things you stuff in a closet and only take out when the giver comes to town?
I am here to tell you that it has become one of the most-used things I have ever received.
I have a large backyard and, not being very organized, I was constantly racing in and out of the house and garage to grab something I needed. Seriously, why is it that my nose decides to run as soon as I sit down to dig? And, then my phone would ring in the house, or I needed to read a seed packet and I didn’t have my reading glasses. The sun would come out from behind a cloud and blast me in the face and I didn’t have any sunglasses with me.
I was a gardening mess.
This burlap bag has been a life-changer.
Photo: Ann Kirsten
I hang it on a hook in the garage and keep it filled with the necessities. Then, on a sunny day, I can grab it and head straight out to the garden. It’s become rare that I have to go back into the house anymore.
Here’s what I keep in there:
Garden gloves, a hand shovel, and my left-handed clippers. Packets of seeds, neem oil, and an old mat to sit on. A bottle of water, reading glasses, a pack of Kleenex, and sunglasses. A pen and plant markers and scissors. Some twine, a protein bar, and a small hand rake. I finish by sticking my phone in one of the pockets and I’m good to go.
It has made gardening so much easier. I’m the type of person who is easily dissuaded from chores. Hmm, the sun is out and I should do some weeding? Nah, I can’t find my gloves and shovel, I’ll do it some other time.
Now, my excuses are gone. Even ten minutes in the garden can make a big difference. When I’m done, I hang my tote on the hook and it’s ready for next time.
My bag is stained now and there always seems to be a layer of dirt in the bottom, but that just means it is well-loved and much- used. I am so thankful that my son bought it for me.
At least in one area of my life, I am organized!
Fun Activity: Look up Bible verses that talk about “preparation”, you will be amazed at how many there are.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8
“Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.” Ecclesiastes 11:6
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6
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Read more of Ann’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
