Creating Your Gardening Manifesto

By Cheri Ruskus

As I write this post it is in fact the first day of spring! Can I hear an amen about that!

Now while here in Colorado we are expecting a snowstorm tomorrow we can at least begin to get our cold weather seeds in today. Get our fingers in the dirt!

 As with any new beginning it’s important to get clear with what you want out of the journey. Gardening is no exception. There are, if we are lucky, 6 months here in Zone 5 of gardening delights ahead.

I recently heard of the idea of writing out a gardening manifesto. Now I am no stranger to manifesto’s and have used them in the business world for many years. But never thought of writing a gardening manifesto.

What is a manifesto you might ask?

A manifesto is a written declaration of intention, motives, and views. In other words, clarifying what you want to get out of something. What is the purpose or desire for the endeavor?

So, I sat down and wrote out my Manifesto and it went like this…

Cheri’s Gardening Manifesto

My garden is a place for me to find work, play.

My garden is full of unlimited creativity.

A place of whimsey and grace.

My garden allows me to be me.

To discover and explore the multitude of gifts that we have been given that lies in the arms of mother nature.

To plant the seeds and watch them grow.

From the first flower in spring to the final veggie crops in the fall.

My garden is my sanctuary to honored.

Fairies play in my garden.

My garden is clean of pesticides and as organic as humanly possible.

I love to be continuously learning in my garden and encounter others who are doing the same.

 Therefore, I also love hanging out with my friends in the garden as we share our mutual love for all the garden provides.

If you love gardening, I encourage you to create your own manifesto. Hang it up where you can see it on a regular basis. Whether in your gardening shed or somewhere that on those days that you feel tired, or have a gardening failure, and we all do, it lifts you up.  It really is empowering.

You might mention the flowers, veggies, or other plants you love to have most in your garden. Just remember the important part of gardening is the rewards both physically in the bounty of your garden, as well as mentally from the peace of mind that it brings to you.

Enjoy a bountiful season ahead!