The woman who bought our house wants me to show her around the garden and tell her how everything works. Am I the asshole for saying no?
It's kinda awkward.
Part of me thinks that I just sold her the house, not a personal tutor ship. I spent 16 years building this garden and I learnt as I went. I spend an hour at least three days a week pruning, weeding ,planting, picking, surveying. I have an intimate knowledge of the place I cannot possibly pass on in an hour.
But it's not as if I'm not generous and helpful.
As I sit here eating the artichokes I grew, cooked and dressed in fresh garlic, vinegar, olive oil, thyme and oregano, on rye bread with goats cheese, I set to writing.
It's a Bible of sorts, my top tips I've learnt over the years. A bit of a seasonal guide of what to do each month, and what to expect.
Late November, as you might realize, is time for picking artichokes. But the big leaves get cut and layered in the compost, creating air pockets, alongside other big greens like cabbage leaves and comfrey and rhubarb, also plentiful right now. I've started a compost for her - there's enough greens and browns for me to do that. Off runs a rabbit from underneath - she'll have to learn their 🐰 rabbity habits too, else fence the place better.
*Me in 2013
Artichokes are one of the first things I grew here. They pop up every year but die off after flowering. I'm sure she will wonder where they went as they would have been there when she was viewing the place. I don't know how much she knows about gardening but it's good news that her sister in the next town has a big permaculture place.
I always put chicken straw round the artichokes, and a handful or five of blood and bone or dynamic lifter twice a year. I get great flowers, so something works. No one told me to do this. I just experimented. I wish I'd had a personal garden tutor.
It could be worse, I suppose. The other guy who out in an offer said the garden had no value and he would get rid of it. No artichokes for him. No lemons or limes or mandarins, no cabbage or raspberries.
But then, no rabbits either..
With Love,
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It’s completely understandable to feel a bit conflicted in a moment like that. A garden shaped over years carries so much personal effort and knowledge that it can’t really be passed on in a quick visit, even if you want to be helpful. I like how you shared those little insights about caring for artichokes as it shows the depth behind what looks simple from the outside. Your reflections capture that mix of pride, generosity, and hesitation that comes with handing over something you’ve poured so much of yourself into.
I'm wondering if the instructions you left for your house sitter are still around? You could pass that on...
It's hard to pass on all the years' learning. Each place has its own micro climates, etc. I sometimes wish I had a personal tutor too...
Right now you are overwhelmed with the new house and garden. If it weren't for that, I expect you'd be more apt to give her some time. But her sister should be able to fill in for you.
Never in my life, have I seen an artichoke growing from the ground. They grow in cans here mostly. Now and then you get a rare glimpse of a fresh one growing on the grocery store shelf. We pick it up and look at it, wondering if we should give it a go. We put it back and say, next time. Next time never comes.
Yesterday I thought I bought a can of palm hearts. Turns out they were artichokes. I think you just gave me an idea with the bread there.😊
Oh share me the link if you make anything. This is my favorite way to eat them but they are also amazing chargrilled in a pan with lemon juice. Cut all the leaves off with a sharp knife, halve or quarter and fry in olive oil with salt pepper lemon juice ... So good. You need a few though. They are always expensive. I hope I can grow them here at the new place!
good on you, ladies are the perfect complement in household tasks
Wait whatttt????
Did you mass murder the rabbits for the artichoke land too ? 😂
🤣🤣🤣 🗡️ 🗡️ 🗡️ 🗡️ 🐇🐰🐇🐰
yeah that would be hard... perhaps she feels you might like to show her around the gardens, you know how gardeners like to talk shop... lol. but, why should you have to if you don't want to? I think i would be the same... hmmm... i worked it out... now you work it out... and wow those artichokes, i have ENVER grown them?? they look awesome!
BLINGIT
Don't be mean. Show her around. You know you'll feel the better for it:)
No, it's my social anxiety, not meanness....also, how the fuck can I cover everything in a meeting??? If I write it down, she'll get a lot more.
I was only kiddin'. I know you're a cuddly bundle of fluffiness. Send the cheeky mare a letter!
We will even leave her the chiminea and a bird bath and re oil the countertop. 💕🐇
Must feel weird indeed.
By the way, this means you actually managed to sell the house, after all?
Congratz!
P.S. I would never have sold to someone who would get rid of the garden, no matter how much they offered.
We did sell!!!! It's all working out. Xxx
We really were much happier selling to her.
yayyyy that means you sold!
I get it that you don't want to do this. One the other hand...letting all of the knowledge go that people can use to make something thrive. I guess she only wants to know what is what in the garden maybe? I get both sides :D
(as in...heck if i had bought that garden glory, I wouldnt want to mess it up, and might as well ask the person who knows the precious place best)
I know, I know.... But how can I pass on all that information in an hour? Best to write it down.
I'm glad that other plant philistine came to bump the price up but never got your place
I know, what a dick!!!!! He had his use though.