finding peace in my airbnb garden study

When I first stepped into the little study at my Airbnb, I was instantly transported back to my grandmother’s sunroom, where she used to tend to her violets and tell me stories about her childhood gardens. The scent of soil and the gentle hum of bees outside the window made me feel at home, even though I was miles away from my own backyard. But as I settled in, I noticed something different—this wasn’t the kind of garden I grew up with. Instead of neat rows of marigolds and tomatoes, the owner had embraced a wild, pollinator-friendly style, letting native plants spill over the path and mingle with herbs. It made me wonder: are we losing the art of traditional gardening, or are we finally learning to let nature take the lead? I found myself torn between nostalgia for the tidy, orderly gardens of my youth and admiration for this new, eco-conscious approach. In my neighborhood back home, some folks still frown on anything that looks too wild, citing HOA rules and worries about property values. But here, the garden felt alive—messy, yes, but full of butterflies and birds. This clash between old and new, order and wildness, made me reflect on what gardening really means in our changing world. Should we cling to the methods passed down by our families, or embrace the freedom to experiment, even if it ruffles a few feathers? As the seasons shift and climate extremes become more common, maybe it’s time to find a balance that honors both tradition and innovation. I’d love to hear your thoughts—do you prefer the old ways, or are you ready to let your garden go a little wild? #gardeningdebate #nostalgia #nativeplants #Gardening