Diary of a Gardener Ins And Outs for 2025 - Garden Edition
Happy New Year! Welcome, 2025, and all the possibilities it holds. A week ago, while waiting for a flight back home, I sat down in the airport and wrote out a long list of goals for myself—both personal and business-related. Some of these goals are small tasks that require me to sit down, focus, and get things done quickly. Others are long-term projects that will take more time to develop. Interestingly, two major themes emerged from this exercise: creating more balance by not overworking to the point of losing myself in the minutiae, and consuming less while saving more.
So, what does under-consuming have to do with gardening? A lot, actually. It has everything to do with how we choose to spend money on our gardens and how we care for them. I don’t even want to think about the amount of money I’ve spent over the years on plants, pots, soil, fertilizers, and all the plants that didn’t survive or got given away. If I tallied it all up, I’m sure it would amount to the cost of a new car! But there’s no point dwelling on the past. Instead, I’m choosing to look forward.
With that in mind, I began thinking about how we can work within our gardens to consume less—fewer plants, less water, fewer gadgets. This led me to create my list of “Ins and Outs for 2025 – Garden Edition.”
Outs
Keeping items just because: String, twine, stakes, pots, old fertilizers, old pesticides, nursery pots, and plants I don’t even like. Holding on to things for no good reason only creates clutter. If you store these items outside, on a lanai, or in a garage, they inevitably get dirty. In my case, squirrels and rats often rummage through them on my porch. It’s time to reduce the excess—how many shovels and rakes do I really need? The truth is, you use about 20% of your tools 95% of the time. If you can’t see it, you can’t use it.
Buying plants that don’t elicit a “hell yes!”: I’m a plant maximalist—I love plants! But, much like impulsively buying clothes, I tend to purchase plants I think I’ll love but later realize I don’t. If I’m not genuinely excited about a plant, it shouldn’t come home with me (unless it’s annual flowers for seasonal color).
Buying pots, planters, and garden ornaments: This will be tough because I adore cute pots, but I simply don’t have the space for more. Unless it’s a gift, I’m enforcing a strict no-more-pots policy.
Ins for 2025
Quality tools: I already prioritize quality when it comes to garden tools. Poor-quality pruners, loppers, or wooden-handled tools don’t last long and require frequent replacement. For avid gardeners, investing in high-quality tools like Felco or Corona pruners is worth it. They come with a lifetime warranty and replacement parts.
Quality tool sharpeners: I have a habit of trying to sharpen tools myself, often with subpar results. Our local ACE Hardware offers professional sharpening for $7 per tool—a worthwhile investment to keep everything in top shape.
iPad 13-inch M2: I need a better system for designing landscapes and improving my efficiency. To this end, I’ve invested in a course that will teach me how to design using an iPad.
Less is more: Despite being a plant maximalist, I’m learning to appreciate open spaces in the garden. Recently, I’ve enjoyed removing some plants, which has made it easier to maintain and truly appreciate what remains.
Incorporating more Florida natives: I want to increase the use of native plants in my landscape designs. They are often more sustainable, require less maintenance, and support local wildlife.
Building a concierge garden service business: I’m focusing on creating and marketing my business as a one-stop shop for all gardening needs. This won’t be a typical “blow-and-go” service; instead, I aim to offer personalized care to ensure that clients’ gardens look beautiful year-round.
Unapologetically being myself: I already tend to be this way, but I often struggle with imposter syndrome. In 2025, I want to work with clients who value my work, work ethic, and integrity. It’s okay to walk away from those who don’t appreciate what I bring to the table.
Here’s to a new year of intentional gardening, mindful consumption, and unapologetically being true to myself.
