On August 6, guests joined Shanell Davis Bryant of Sage Growth Solutions to explore the Ethos of the Lazy Chaotic Gardener so that they can create a garden they can love to be in without pressure and pretense. We all see curated gardens on social media that purport to be “wild” or “chaotic”, but what these beautiful photographs leave out is that they are the result of years of careful care. Comparison and perfectionism can take the joy out of gardening–but that’s where the Ethos of the Lazy Chaotic Gardener can help!
Perfectionism is the mindset that keeps excessively high personal standards and overly-critical self-evaluation. Constantly picking at a seedling trying to sprout won’t help it…just like your mindset!
Sometimes, reframing words can help take the pressure off. “Lazy” can be just having a relaxed attitude that prioritizes the learning and joy of the process, and “Chaos gardening” is working through the disorder and organization at your own pace without judgement. Life happens!
Lazy Chaotic Gardener Ethos
- Strive for continuous learning, not perfection
- Get in the garden when, and as often as possible
- Enjoy the process
Another way to shift perspective is having a Growth Mindset instead of a Fixed Mindset. A growth mindset emphasizes that your skills and talents can changer and develop, where a Fixed Mindset emphasizes that these things are unchangeable. Which do you think is more helpful while learning to garden?
Growth Mindset Principles from Dr. Carol Dweck
- Principle 1: Intelligence, skills, and talents are learnable and can be developed. Like gardens, green thumbs are cultivated!
- Principle 2: Be sure to embrace challenges, since they are an opportunity to try something new and experiment
- Principle 3: Gardening won’t always go the way you plan, so persist in the face of setbacks. Plants will die. Take this as an opportunity to learn, try again, and do better.
- Principle 4: Mastery is not about a perfect end, but the process and path.
- Principle 5: Criticism is a learning opportunity, so let it drive you to action and growth. Find inspiration in the success of others rather than envy.
- Bonus Principle from Shanell: Dress up to garden! Wear your favorite shirt and shorts, and your favorite gardening tool harness. Small steps for self-care can make the gardening journey more fun.
Shanell Davis-Bryant
Shanell Davis-Bryant is the founder and principal of Sage Growth Solutions, a consulting firm focused on supporting environmental and community-building organizations, and an FNGLA certified horticulturist and landscape maintenance technician. As an environmental education specialist, Shanell enjoys working with people of all ages to explore and connect with the natural environment around them.
