Going out in the garden this morning, I bet that a great majority of you will wander around with a a steaming mug of something, wellies on with a great anticipation and enthusiasm that is all engulfing.
A tour of your patch will be completed and all of the plants which are showing signs of development will be inspected and admired individually bringing a warm glow and an excitement that is barely containable.
The problem is, when the tour is done, the mental 'to do' list will have changed and suddenly that feeling of excitement and anticipation will have turned to anxiety and stress.
You might have realised, that with the best will in the world, constant hard slog, weekend long good weather and no interruptions that you just cannot do the garden justice in the time available.
With work approaching again on Monday there will not be the time to relax and enjoy your labours and deflation will lead to a mild depression - you are not alone, it is a common problem.
The best way to ever enjoy your garden is to take it as it comes and not let it rule your life. You CAN enjoy the architectural elegance of a nettle developing in the borders if you train your mind to it. Look at it as just another herbaceous plant.
Just like in any other walk of life, you need to develop a garden that fits into your lifestyle. If you are a party animal and stay out late on a Friday and Saturday night and do not rise until after 10am then a predominantly grass garden with shrubs would suit you most.
If you are an early riser and love to be in the great outdoors all day then something more intricate can be on the cards.
But the most important thing, is plan your day and create a to do list. Stick to that plan and make sure that you allow time at the end of the day to enjoy what you have achieved.
My favourite task, even after a long day gardening in someone else's garden, was to come home, make a cup of tea and sit on the garden wall vegetating. I would unwind and just take ten minutes edmiring what I had.
I would then set out to do a few tasks and always, always leave the grass, which was the centre piece of my garden - both physically and mentally - until very last. This way, even if I did not complete weeding or pruning, I had something that drew a line for me.
I must admit that my lawn was my hobby and escape but it allowed me to complete my 'to do' list with closure at the end.
I would then go to the fridge and get a 'dumpy' beer and sit into the dusk and watch the chlorophyllic sheen on the freshly mown lawn.
It allowed me to mentally pass into another day when I would adopt the same routine.
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