spring gardening: when chores wait and memories bloom

Every spring, I find myself lost in the garden, just like my mother and grandmother before me. Today, I spent hours building new garden beds, letting the world inside the house fall into gentle chaos. The kitchen is a mess, the dishwasher's full, and dinner was a quick drive-thru—something my parents would have never allowed. I remember childhood springs, when family gardens were a source of pride and fresh food, but also a battleground for tradition. Now, with new techniques and raised beds, I wonder if I'm honoring those memories or breaking away from them. My kids’ lunches are still unpacked, laundry piles up, and toys scatter across the floor. Yet, when I look at those new beds, I feel a healing peace that only the earth can give. In our North American neighborhoods, some neighbors frown at my wild planting style, preferring manicured lawns over messy, productive gardens. Others stop to chat, sharing stories of their own family plots. As climate shifts and rules tighten, I ask myself: is it worth it to let the inside go for a season, just to chase that old feeling of spring? Or am I just making more work for myself and breaking the unspoken rules of the community? I’d love to hear—do you let chores slide for your garden, or do you keep everything in balance? #springgardening #familytraditions #gardenmemories #Gardening