My gardens right now at this very moment…sadly need some TLC, big time! Aside from the fact that it is fall and everything’s going into sleep mode, they really could use a face lift.

This spring I added mulch, pulled a weed here and there this summer and planted half a handful of perennials in September…and that’s it! And it shows!

Right now my gardens make me feel sad and a little disappointed. They don’t look like something I’ve created – although I did start them all from scratch. They are too structured and not wild and free enough for my liking. Everything seems planted in a row…what I was thinking when I planted, I have no idea!

Mostly, I think they make me feel sad because I know I neglected them. I admit, I was a terrible gardener this year and it sure does bother me! And I know it takes a few years to really establish them but that doesn’t seem to affect the way I am feeling.

What I do like about them is their size. Not too big and not too small. Totally manageable…this makes it even worst since they look so foul.

Next year I plan on changing their structure to look more natural and free. Not out of control, just full and slightly wild. That’s how I imagine them anyways. I also plan on adding more lavender, oh how I love lavender! And other plants too, not sure just what, but just fill them in a more.

Now, on the plus side…I do love the sounds I hear when I’m out in the gardens that I can’t gripe about. I went out to take the photos for this post and I heard the beautiful hollow sounds of a bamboo wind chime, a very chatty squirrel running along the hydro wire and a happy Blue Jay having a snack at our bird feeder. Can’t complain about that now can I?!

There’s also a very slight breeze which smells so sweet of fall leaves and lavender. The sun is still up and although the breeze has a bit of a chill the sun feels nice and warm.

With all that said, as much as they make me sad visually, they smell and sound wonderful. And in my books, 2 out of 3 really isn’t all that bad. But next year watch out! First order of business: Operation Born Free.