Diary of a Gardener Introverted Gardener

Did you know I am very introverted? I do not gain Superman powers from being around a lot of people, despite the fact I can talk easily with most people. The key is, with most people I choose to. I prefer to be alone or with one or two people such as my husband or family. Talking on the phone is torture and I really do not like parties. When my husband says hello to everyone, we walk by I want to crawl into my own skin and cover up. The fear of having to talk to someone I had not planned to talk to today is overwhelming. All this to say, that is why I love gardening so much.

Have you seen the t-shirt that says, “introverted but willing to discuss plants”? That is me. I can and will talk plants all day to anyone who will amuse me to do so. I prefer the solitude of my garden, flowers, plants, birds, and butterflies to a crowded room of people I do not know or do know. Most gardeners are introverts. We like to putter around, create, appreciate and be among nature more than people. We get our energy from the quiet surroundings of our garden.

As an introvert I need time to recharge, decompress, reflect. The garden is perfect for that. I often talk about my garden as my therapy. It is and more. I think because the world requires me to be public facing, I must pour so much of myself into the world, that when I get a chance to do what I love, gardening, it is what recharges me. But is it the garden or just the solitude? Maybe, it is both.

Gardens and introverts are a perfect match. We give back to each other what is put in and more. When I head into my garden I do listen to music. It is partially to turn off my brain a bit, but it also helps deter people from talking to me as much. What I would like to say is “today I’m only talking to my plants.” Human chatting is reserved for tomorrow.