One thing I love about getting my own place is the opportunity to potter around the yard and grow lots of lovely things. My only problem is, I’m working so much right now I don’t have a chance to get outside as much as I’d like.

I visited my landlady, and I’m green with envy. I’ll admit it. Her yard is gorgeous. She’s got butterfly bushes, daises, tomatoes, peppers, bleeding heart, and a whole line of deer resistant plants like lavender, marigolds, and russian sage. We spent a lovely hour on a tour, and then sat in her swing and gabbed about gardening.

I know I have to make a living. But I think I need to get out and put my hands in the dirt. There’s something so rejuvenating and satisfying about gardening and tending to the yard, and I think I’m not doing myself any favors by being so consumed in work I forget there’s benefits to spending time away from it.

I’m planning on planting lavender (I’ll dry it and store it for potpourri and sachets) and tomatoes. Maybe some coneflowers. And dill. I love dill.

Any other suggestions? It’s a very shaded property, in the midwest, and I hope I’m not too late to plant for the season.

Just thinking about planting makes me feel better.