April 2024

I've never been one to have a green thumb. I've been gifted plants a few times, and the only ones that are still alive are the ones I've left in the care of my mom. I just recently got another plant though, and I decided this is the year... I'm going to not kill some plants! I decided that I want to grow a small herb garden, that sounded like a reasonable start to my gardening career, plus there's the benefit of fresh herbs for cooking. The yard outside my condo has the rockiest soil I've ever tried to dig in, so I decided that planter boxes would probably be the move.

I originally asked my boyfriend if he would build me some, and of course he said he would. But then Sunday came around, and I had some free time with my dad, so we went over to my grandpa's and got some wood... Then I borrowed my brother's chop saw, my dad's carpenter square, and pulled out my own power drill. Unfortunately, at this point it was starting to get dark and I decided to press pause on the project.

On Monday, I headed off to work for a half day. When I got home, shortly after 1 in the afternoon, I decided to see if I could get a little bit started for my planters. The next thing I knew, 3 hours had passed and the first box was completed. I got excited and within 2 hours the next box had also been made. By this time it was after 5 and I was hungry and itchy from the saw dust that had snuck its way into my clothes, so I decided that maybe my guy would still help me make the last box at some point.

Tuesday I was low censused at work, so I found myself with an unplanned free day. I piddled around at home for a bit, did some reading, got lunch with my mom and 2 year old niece, and by the time early afternoon rolled around I found myself being drawn back out to my patio. The final box came together even faster than the first 2.

I proceeded to buy a variety of herbs and annual flowers, and after 4 trips to 3 separate Fred Meyer's on their annual free dirt day, the boxes were filled and planted! Here's hoping I am able to keep everything alive this year!

This project, although unexpectedly completed independently, was a great reminder of my own abilities. I am both creative and capable, and though power tools can seem daunting, when used safely, I find them empowering.