How I Created a Garden from a Sad Scrap of Dirt

Six years ago my backyard looked like a sad, naked and compacted sea of dirt. My husband and I stood around scratching our chins, ready to create the garden at our brand new home, but were unsure where to begin. I had developed several gardens in a few different states by then, but I was still a novice, not exactly sure which steps I should take in what order.

We started by laying down cardboard on top of that abused soil (new construction = big machines driving all over the subsoil and then replacing a tiny bit of topsoil), adding a few inches of compost and planting seeds and plants. The first year the garden grew to a certain point and just stopped. The plants seemed to be sitting there and staring at me as if they were saying, That’s it. We’re done. We gave it our best and this is all we have to give. Sorry you won’t be getting any food this year. Better luck next time.

We have coaxed and cajoled this garden over the last seven gardening seasons into something more than a sad scrap of dirt. As I look out my window now I see a riot of vegetables, flowers, vines and edibles along with the insects and animals that accompany them. By working on my own garden and installing many others around town I realize now there are many things I would do differently if I could. There are questions I would have spent more time on before designing the layout (what raised bed material to use, what width works best for paths), factors I would have considered before installation (soil health), and ways that I would have taken a bit more time to get to know the site better.

This fall, we have decided to sell our home and embark on finding a new one. There is something about ending a life chapter that encourages a little reminiscing about the beginning. Now when I walk out into my garden in the morning I find myself thinking about our first few seasons here, how the garden has changed and how I have evolved with it. We’re both older! This gardener is definitely wiser. And the garden is quite a bit more productive. As I reflect on all I’ve learned over the years I feel the seed of excitement starting to germinate as I think about applying all of those lessons to the next garden. Let the adventure continue…

One of my favorite services I offer to those in the Madison area is a garden consultation. I’d love to visit with you in your yard and help you get started on the right foot. I can help you avoid the mistakes I have made along the way. Read more about garden consultations here.