By: Lindsay Day
As the clock struck midnight at 12:00 AM on January 1st, 2020, a new decade began and with it came feelings of hope for new beginnings. Unfortunately, 2020 had other plans. Daily life turned upside down as a global pandemic unfurled and feelings of uncertainty and anxiety took the place of hope and promise. Suddenly much had changed. Work, life, and school all went virtual, events were cancelled, travel ceased, and everyone was spending much more time at home. Though we hoped life would go back to normal within a few weeks, eight months later we continue to fight the pandemic and adjust to a new way of life.
My garden flourished in early spring with NewGen Independence®, NewGen Freedom®, and some colorful perennials because of all the extra attention it received and the joy it brought me.
As easy as it would be to look at these circumstances and feel defeated and discouraged, there are many things to be grateful for. With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner and the end of the year not far behind it, it is important to take a moment to reflect with gratitude on the lessons of the past year. In times of crisis, humans need something that makes them feel grounded, and for many people, they turned to their greenspaces to bring on a sense of stability.
Among the many changes of the past year is the addition of masks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, but they can’t hide the smile of Augustin as he prunes the field boxwood.
Spring is typically a busy season for the horticulture industry, but as many nurseries, retailers, and landscapers were considered essential business, this year brought record breaking sales across the country. A recent virtual event with NewGen® growers reported booming plant sales. Part of the boom was brought on by a young generation, who were thought to not be interested in gardening. Part was certainly due to seasoned horticulturists starting projects they had put off for years. Another market, which we didn’t realize existed, was people adding greenery to their new home office environment. Plant sales were strong and steady through the spring and early summer.
My dog, Zuko, enjoys the sunshine while lounging on the back porch with my sprouted vegetable seeds.
There is something in every aspect of gardening that provides a channel for different energies. This year as I noticed myself frustrated and angry with the current circumstances, I found satisfaction in weeding, pruning, or digging the perfect hole for my new boxwood. When I felt discouraged, I found hope in the sprouted vegetable seeds on my back porch or in new life buzzing around my flower beds. Most importantly when everything happening around me felt uncontrollable and unstable, my garden provided sanctuary and stability. I was tired of being cooped up and getting outside to sink my hands into the soil brought so much relief. Humans have always been drawn to nature, and through times of crisis, peace can be found in nature.
This year marked the official release of the NewGen® plants. While on one of my trips to the local garden center, I was thrilled to see NewGen Freedom® out “in the wild!”
This young NewGen Independence® looked bright after it’s spring flush.
So as a horticulturist by trade and enthusiast by nature, the spark that has reinvigorated the industry and reminded many people about the joy that is found in plants, is something that I am immensely grateful for. As a whole, we all can share in the experience of the past year and we all have our stories and ways of coping to get us to where we are today. This past year has forced me to slow down and appreciate the little victories and joys in the day-to-day activities of life. Though we have been forced to “social distance” and stay physically apart, I believe we have learned new ways to stay connected because we are all in this together. Our best option is to reflect on the past year with grateful hearts and look to the future with hope and promise. Most importantly, keep planting!