Downsizing the Garden: Memories and Renewal

Designing Moves
Apr 11
2 min read

I learned to garden from my Mom, whose beautiful flower gardens inspired me throughout childhood. At our first home, I created gardens with starts from family, friends, and neighbors. When we moved, I brought these cherished plants with me, and my son helped dig new flower beds—a memory I treasure.

Twenty plus years later, my garden had become an overgrown jungle. Aggressive plants had taken over, choking out delicate varieties that had thrived for decades.

The emotional aspect of downsizing surprised me, I was quite sad about the process. Each plant represented a connection—neighbors' bleeding hearts, Grandma's daylilies, Mom's hostas, my Mother-in-Law's ivy. While clearing, I discovered struggling plants nearly smothered by garden bullies.

Downsizing required help; I lacked the energy for extensive digging. A friend advised making "gardens for my future self" with low-maintenance shrubs and small trees. This perspective transformed the process from loss to renewal. Another friend consulted on changes and found help for digging and mulching.

I kept a small area of plants I could not part with yet. Offering excess plants and bulbs on the curb proved liberating.

My garden now is smaller and more intentional. Fewer varieties allow greater appreciation for each plant. Manageable maintenance lets me enjoy the garden rather than constantly working in it or looking at it with dread.

I've learned that downsizing creates a more sustainable relationship with outdoor space. By adapting my garden to my current life stage, I've rediscovered the joy that first drew me to gardening.

Gardens, like life, go through seasons. Adapting isn't giving up—it's growing in wisdom.