I’m taking up gardening

It seems as if everybody is taking up gardening lately, all thanks to a popular retail group (I am not allowed to mention the name, because that constitutes free advertising, but I am sure everybody knows who I’m talking about) which has come up with something so cute it’s taking over many people’s lives.

And although I don’t want to admit it, I’m included. Even though it’s not quite taking over my life, I am super-excited. Last year, we were inundated with the promotional gimmick offering shoppers mini grocery items, and Facebook was flooded with people selling or trying to swap their duplicates in order to fill up their mini shopping baskets. I also got caught up in the storm of collecting minis, and, although I don’t have the whole set, my mother went so far as to have a mini grocery cupboard made to display my goods, complete with a glass door and lock.

This year (and thankfully the swapping hasn’t started on Facebook yet), people are trying to collect a whole garden. I think it is one of the most brilliant promotional gimmicks ever invented, for the simple reason that I don’t do gardening, but I’m absolutely hooked on the little garden I’m trying to grow.

There is only one problem – I don’t have the proverbial green fingers like other people. I think plants see me coming and decide to die to save themselves lots of pain and misery.

Nevertheless, it’s such a brilliant way to teach children (and some adults) about the different flowers and herbs and how to care for a garden. It’s also an easy (and cheaper) way to beautify your own garden – that is, if you can get the seeds to grow.

I’ve been nursing my garden for about a week and there is not a seedling in sight. The garden gets the necessary water, love and attention, but the seeds are not growing a millimetre. I guess I’ll have to shape up on my gardening skills.

What are your views regarding this promotional gimmick? Do you think its a good idea? Send your comments to roelienv@caxton.co.za.

Until next week, take care of your gardens, and each other.

Ciao