My name is Sarah Smith, aka Nana. I am a retired preschool administrator, a garden and outdoor enthusiast, and I love always having a project (or 2) to keep me busy. If you enjoy any of these things, and then some, you’ll feel right at home here.
I inherited my gardening gene from my parents, who tended their own victory gardens and worked tirelessly outdoors, as long as the weather cooperated. My mother was my biggest source for “all things garden”, and I think of her often when I am out in my yard.
I consider our entire outdoor space one big garden. Keep in mind that while gardening is enjoyable on so many levels, it is also hard work. Here we have a nice division of labor: my husband Paul does all the heavy yard work – mowing, mulching, splitting wood, digging, etc. – and I tend to all the gardening chores, like turning the soil, planting, weeding, harvesting, keeping pests under control… you get the picture! And of course we work together on many other outdoor tasks. That’s why, over the years, we’ve always strived to create a complete outdoor environment. Our yard not only includes lots of garden areas, but spaces to relax and have fun as well.
We live 90 minutes north of NYC, in zone 6, on 1/3 of an acre in a large development. Our yard looks completely different than when we moved in 35 years ago, and we love it. It may sound like a small space, but don’t be fooled! We have learned to use our space wisely, so that we can truly enjoy our little homestead. Our 4 children grew up here. They are all married and, together with their spouses, are very busy raising their own beautiful families. We are so blessed to have 11 grandchildren who have just as much fun in our “garden” as their parents did years ago.
I am not an expert, but after 35+ years in the garden, I have lots of practical advice and insight to share. Are you new to gardening? I can help you get started. Have you been gardening for awhile? Great! I’d love to hear from you. Hopefully all of you will discover that there is so much more to gardening than just growing plants.
One is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth ~ Dorothy Frances Gurney