Hi there, I’m Barb – the green thumb behind Win-Win Gardening!
I have been an avid gardener for 60 years! WOW! But shhh—let’s keep it between us that I’m only 29. 😉
If you’re stopping by Win-Win Gardening, you’re about to discover a treasure trove of gardening tips for beginners, gardeners of all ages, and anyone who’s curious about plant care.
Gardening isn’t just about planting seeds; it’s about cultivating growth, happiness, and a deeper connection to nature!
My Gardening Journey
My love for gardening began in the ’50s and ’60s. Being the youngest and the only girl among my boisterous brothers, I discovered peace in my father’s garden. The lively vegetable patches and colorful flowers became a haven for me, where I not only learned about different plants but also about the importance of patience and care.
One of my cherished memories is of my father carefully selecting flowers to create colourful bouquets for my grandmother. The happiness on her face when she received them showed me that gardens are more than just patches of land; they’re sources of love and happiness!
Over the years, my gardening experience evolved. I didn’t pursue formal training in horticulture, but the practical knowledge I gained over the decades taught me what truly works. Through trial and error, I nurtured not only plants but also a deep-seated passion for gardening.
Marriage in 1976 and raising two sons brought new gardening adventures. We shaped our property growing vegetables and flowers, and experimenting with unusual plants like castor beans and Chinese lanterns. After the loss of my husband in 2011, my gardens fell into disarray, reflecting my grief. It took time, but by 2018, a few tomato plants and the revival of certain flower beds surprisingly helped me rediscover my joy.
Gardening Through Life’s Seasons
Gardening, like life, has its seasons. Over six decades, I’ve faced every challenge Mother Nature could throw at me, yet each season brings a new sense of wonder! Downsizing after the ’90s, I transitioned from large vegetable gardens to creating smaller flower beds, favoring simplicity and bursts of color. Retirement in 2021 gave me more time to embrace gardening again, though at a slower, more mindful pace.
Winters in Manitoba can be long and dreary, but my sunroom is my comforting indoor retreat. In this space, my Christmas Cactus, Poinsettia, and Amaryllis allow me to stay in touch with nature, even when the outside world is frozen. It’s a reminder that even in the coldest months, life finds a way to thrive!
Gardening for Mental & Physical Well-Being
In my younger years, I never considered gardening to be a form of exercise. But let me tell you, it’s a full-body workout! Activities like digging, lifting, bending, stretching, and weeding contribute significantly to physical activity. Without even trying, I can easily clock 1–2 kilometers on my step tracker just by moving around my yard throughout the day. Gardening keeps me active, enhances my flexibility, and keeps me engaged; all without feeling like a traditional workout. It’s proof positive that staying fit doesn’t have to happen in a gym; it can occur right in your own garden!
Beyond the physical advantages, gardening has served as my emotional support system. As someone living with a borderline personality disorder, anxiety, and depression, I’ve had my share of struggles! The loss of my paternal grandmother, father, and my husband; who were my gardening mentors, left me feeling lost. My mom, on the other hand, disliked gardening but she took over when it was harvest time. Feeding a family of six meant making use of everything the garden provided. I was by her side, learning the skills of, freezing, preserving and canning. These skills later helped me feed my own family! Even though I protested at the time, I can now appreciate all she taught me and the traditions she passed down!
Despite everything, gardening became my sanctuary. I remember coming home after a long day at work, walking into my yard, and being enveloped by the scent of flowers and fresh earth! All the stresses of the day melted away as I immersed myself in my little paradise. There’s a profound healing quality about caring for a garden, witnessing growth, and rediscovering a sense of purpose. Even with a smaller space now, with perennials, a handful of annuals, some tomato and cucumber plants, and a small mix of houseplants; it’s enough to keep me grounded and fulfilled!
Sharing Wisdom: Six Decades of Gardening
Throughout the years, my primary aim has remained straightforward: to impart my gardening knowledge so that others can enjoy the same happiness I have found. My insights are rooted in personal experience rather than academic sources. Whether you’re starting with your first petunias or adjusting your garden to a more relaxed pace, I’m here to support your journey to success.
If you aspire to turn a small area into a sanctuary for bees and butterflies or to grow the tastiest tomatoes around, you’ve come to the right place. Gardening involves experimentation, and I’m here to assist you in transforming mistakes into successes. Together, we can nurture both our gardens and ourselves.
Life Beyond the Garden
While I have a passion for gardening, I don’t spend every waking hour doing it!!! It’s essential to maintain balance in life! When I’m not busy with my plants, I find joy in reading, taking walks, shopping, chatting with friends and neighbors, having lunch outings with my 3 brothers, taking short road trips, and of course, spending lots of time with my sons! Living alone, I seek ways to fill my time with happiness, be it through a scenic drive, unwinding on my deck, or having a barbecue with my son, who conveniently lives just a few blocks away.
I also enjoy watching crime dramas, keeping up with the news, and tuning into the Food Channel. As for my culinary indulgence? I can’t resist poutine—just hold the mushrooms, please!
A Garden for Every Season
Gardening is more than just a past time; it’s a means to foster joy, patience, and a deeper connection to our surroundings. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, I welcome you to embark on this lifelong adventure with me. There’s always something new to discover, fresh plants to cultivate, and reasons to get your hands dirty!
So, let’s get planting—it’s a win-win for us and for Mother Nature!!!
Until next time, happy gardening!