The Beginning

What to do?  It seems overwhelming to start a landscape from scratch, especially if you don't have an unlimited budget.  Gardening is something I never thought I'd do, or like.  After my lung transplant in 2003, I was heavily warned against playing in the dirt, breathing in any dirt, being exposed to sun, having plants, and basically anything required to create or maintain a yard or garden.  I'd basically put the idea out of my mind.  Still, I love flowers, I like to do physical work, I like the sun, and let's face it, I like to get dirty.  So, some six years after transplant, here I am starting a tiny flower garden, and watching it grow. 

Therefore, I will dedicate this first post to garden safety.  Safety, unfortunately, I equate with discomfort, lack of dexterity, warm wear in the already hot weather, and let's face it, looking like a dork.  Can you even have fun like that?  When does it become more of a chore and less fulfilling?  I guess the answer can only be answered by each individual.

First I visited the CDC website for their tips on garden safety:  http://www.cdc.gov/family/gardening/index.htm

They recommend:

• Safety goggles
• Study shoes
• Long pants
• Hearing protection
• Gloves
• Insect repellent
• Permethrin treated clothing
• Long sleeved shirts
• Pants tucked into your socks
• Wide brimmed hats
• Sunscreen
• Sun shades

So far I've been wearing steel toed boots, jeans, two pairs of gloves, a hat, and sunscreen.  I also added a mask and/or bandanna, since the first time I spent any significant time in the garden I think I breathed in three pounds of dirt.  I originally just wore one pair of gardening gloves, but it worried me that I was unable to clean the dirt off of my hands even with them.  So, I added a pair of vinyl gloves under them.  It is hot and yucky but I don't need my hands, often with cuts and tiny pricks of my diabetes lancets, getting an infection.  I don't have a picture yet, but will provide one soon.  I'm sure the neighbors think I'm a freak.

Coming soon:  about USDA zones, sun, soil, butterflies, seeds, bushes, my mole nemesis, etc.!