Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Gardeners in pyjamas

So how have the cold and short days been effecting your involvement in the garden? During the warmer months when the days were longer, particularly during daylight savings, I found working in the evening just perfect. However working in the evenings now is just impossible. Well maybe not impossible it could be done by torch light I guess. Being a Monday to Friday worker, weekends are often used for many things, social engagements, replacing stormwater pipes, family adventures. Thus sometimes a weekend can fly by without any gardening happening at all. Previously I posted about how I have been getting up a bit earlier and making gardening the first thing I do each day. This has been working out really well, keeping the gardening flowing and improving my overall mental well being. However the onset of winter found my love for staying warm in bed greater than my love for gardening. My main discomfort is not actually getting out of bed but rather changing from pyjamas to gardening clothes.


The solution... Garden in my pyjamas. I simply pull my gardening clothes over my already warm pyjamas. Not only do I avoid being nude, the multiple layers keep me wonderfully snug while out in the garden in the crisp morning air. Also after a few days of my hands getting so cold they stung, it finally occurred to me to wear my gardening gloves. Often  the more obvious the solution the longer it takes for me  to realise it.


My biggest recommendation though for motivating one through winter is to get a personal coach. My youngest daughter is an early riser and seems to have no fear of the cold. She often wakes before my alarm clock does and from her bed yells “Is it morning yet?” Not only does she get me up in the morning but she also joins me in the garden. Having my little gardening buddy with me warms me even more, from the heart out.

7 comments:

  1. Aw, cute. Maybe I should give this a go, I certainly rely on my kids being my alarm, though they have been schooled NOT to make noise until THEIR alarm goes at 6.30am. And it's still almost pitch black then. What I need to do right now though when it's dark, is rug up and get my lazy butt out on snail patrol before I hit the sack. But it's too darn cosy in here, so the little buggers will feast on my kale for one more night...

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  2. 6:30 is when we get up and we are out in the garden at about 6:40. There is just enough light to work by. I have thought about getting the breakfast ready first, and then go garden while the muesli soaks. That would give us just a little more light.

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  3. G'day Jason,

    I don't have any problems gardening in the winter because I still play competitive field hockey and all our games are in the evening. You get used to the cold after an hour in the rain and wind wearing little but a short sleeved shirt and a pair of shorts. If the umpires start the game immediately you dont feel a thing. If the umps want to carry on about the state of the match ball, or whether the goalkeepers are ready or have we got a timekeeper, they quickly get told off while we start to shiver. The language is priceless. Last Monday's game was played in torrential rain and strong winds. So when it comes to a little Saturday morning hoeing, no problems; good thick trackies, a beany and a pair of gumboots are mandatory. And hope it doesn't rain. If I wore my pajamas outside Ana would throttle me. I have enough trouble sneaking outside in my slippers. And if I inadvertently bring back chook poo on them, look out!

    Regards,
    Steve

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  4. What a beautiful thing to say (and feel) 'she warms me from the heart out'. Just lovely. :)

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  5. We'd all do better with an early morning coach! Unfortunately my sons are both now sloth-like teenagers, so no chance of them getting up until they're shaken. :) Glad you're getting outside - it's been raining solidly for three days now in Sydney, and we're starting to feel like drowned rats!

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    Replies
    1. Even though I have become brave enough to garden in the cold, I don't know about in the rain.

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    2. There is fine line between bravery and silly.

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