Digging
With the Divas
by Glinda
Have you ever stood in your garden, envisioning new beds, or wanting to renew old ones, but found the idea overwhelming? Don’t go out there alone, nibbling away at your landscape while wishing you could afford help. Have fun with your friends and form a landscaping co-op.
Here
in Central Texas, our Divas of the Dirt were formed in the 1990’s by a core of
friends who brought other women into the group. When a former member dropped
out 3 years ago, the remaining Divas put new nominees into a pool. I believe my
guardian angel put my name on the slip that was drawn out.
Each
member is the hostess once a year. In a
good year we might get 8 months in this region when we can work outside
– that’s why we stick with seven members. In January we have breakfast at a
favorite restaurant and get organized. The seven Divas pull names of the seven
most usable months. Our group tries to meet on the second Saturday of those
months, but we’ve learned to be flexible. We’ll also have a Christmas pot luck
and grab bag, visit nurseries, cruise antique shops, and email jokes and inspiration
to one another.
When
the first Digging Day of the season approaches, the hostess plans her project,
often with the help of other Divas. Mulch, compost, stone and plants are
assembled; emails describe the project and suggest the needed tools. When the
Divas start drifting in at eight AM on the big day, they are greeted with
wonderful aromas and fresh coffee – because these gardeners also love cooking
for others. We’ve shared egg casseroles, waffles, pancakes, French toast, hash
browns, bacon and venison sausage, quiche, fabulous fruits, and creamy cheese
grits. We might need those calories! If the project goes on into mid-afternoon,
a lunch or snack better show up, too.
Once
we’re out in the dirt, with a cooler of bottled water and sports drinks in the
shade, the work goes at an amazing pace. Rocks, stumps and bags of compost that
would tax the strength of one woman are easy for three working together. Each
person brings some talent we need…one loves to prune, one to dig, another can
lay stone, one always sees the way to balance the landscape and one always
knows where good stuff is on sale.
We
have been incredibly lucky with this blend of personalities. The conversation
swirls and individual members work for a while as partners. As the tasks shift
and change, the small groups separate, and re-form, so all the friends work and
talk one-on-one during the day. They are efficient and gutsy – trying any
challenge. Since they’re women, they clean up as they go along, leaving a
minimum of mess for the hostess.
They
are so hilarious! It is astounding how much gets done in one day. Is it work?
Absolutely! Is it fun? Oh, my, yes! And the sheer drama of these
transformations is becoming addictive. What a joy to watch my friend’s face as
she saw her garden dream materialize.
All
our Texas yards and gardens needed major renovations – maybe you have a great
landscape but need help with maintenance. Imagine six women meeting for a
two-hour weeding and clipping party at a different house every week. Two hours
outside with a few friends is safer and more fun than those solitary marathons.
And we learn so much from each other – horticulture and pop culture, biography
and real estate, movies and music.
A
few cautions – your members need to be givers not users, and with
a love for gardening, not just for the results… otherwise, the magic will be
lost. See if our ideas of chlorophyll and cooperation will enrich your life,
too!
SOME PREVIOUS PROJECTS
Before and After Number One
Several
choppy beds and shrubs blocked the patio, limiting views and access. The new
stone path is more welcoming, functional, and attractive.
Before and After Number Two
Pruning,
digging, lots of compost and a new stone edge make this shady corner ready for
future flowers.
Before and After Number Three
One
day's work and the oak trees have been pruned, the turf and weeds removed,
and
a new bed has been made. The branches now frame the view of the house, instead
of snagging pedestrians.
