Mary's Art Starts in the Garden

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Your Body Is Like Your Garden: Pay Attention to Signs of Distress
August 2025

I recently overdid it again. I spent five straight hours in my garden on a steaming and humid 90-degree day. My clothes were drenched and clinging, even my sweatband was dripping. I was getting wobbly, in danger of toppling over and suffering broken bones or worse. And then, a mild evening breeze swept by me, gently cooling my skin. At that moment, I snapped to my senses and realized I was flirting at the edge of disaster. So, I stopped abruptly. 

I left the wheelbarrow filled with mulch, ready to be shoveled into the flower beds. I left it right where it was in the middle of the walkway. It was so heavy, and I was too tired to push it and too tired to shovel. The reality of being 77 years old smacked me hard, and I shuddered at the consequences I was dancing with.

Throughout the day, I had filled my favorite 24-ounce, pink water bottle multiple times. I had eaten my usual meal of fresh fruit, coconut yogurt, gluten-free granola, topped off with some raw almonds. I eat well and hydrate well. I take care of myself. But maybe, just maybe, I should have paid attention earlier. Maybe this time I just got lucky. Perhaps I should have stopped working sooner in that suffocating, humid heat. And maybe I needed to pay attention to how I was feeling earlier, before I became wobbly. I had ignored the warnings my body was sending me throughout the day. Again.

​For over 35 years, this garden has been a solitary endeavor, where I continually design and redesign the landscape and plantings. I have worked independently, savoring the time to think quietly by myself, my sanctuary where I find my center. But I began to recognize that many heavier tasks like mulching, planting, and transplanting were no longer getting done. My garden was suffering, and so was my aching body.

Mary Planting her Tropical Summer Garden (May 2002)
Photo Courtesy: Mary Ahern

For the last year, though, I've been lucky to have a garden helper for a few hours once a week to help with chores that have now become too difficult for me. It had been hard for me to invite someone to work in my garden. But when the option of working with John became available to me, a man experienced in yard work, I grabbed it. Now, from March through October, he joins me in the garden. 

Mary's Garden Entry
Photo Courtesy: Mary Ahern

John's approach to self-care became clear to me the other day when he had left for home after working in my garden for only two out of his usual five hours. Leaving early was totally unusual for him. It had been another hot, humid day and not enough water was cooling his system. I was concerned about him.

Mary's Woodland Garden
Photo Courtesy: Mary Ahern

"​Like a collapsing hydrangea in the summer sun, I, too, need water, cooling shade, and careful attention to the messages my body and brain are sending to me in order to thrive."

​John returned the next day feeling refreshed, after going home early, taking two showers, napping, and sleeping through the night. He emphasized the importance of being aware and taking responsibility for his own well-being. He said he knew what he needed to do to keep himself safe and healthy because he wants to continue doing the physical work he loves. He took responsibility for his health, and I admire that.

​I try to stay aware of my needs, but there are times when I need a reminder, such as a soft evening breeze to wake me. Although, this might be any gentle nudge to remind me to pay attention to what is happening with my body at any given moment.

Like a collapsing hydrangea in the summer sun, I, too, need water, cooling shade, and careful attention to the messages my body and brain are sending to me in order to thrive. Perhaps, like John, taking responsibility for myself with well-considered decisions, sprinkled with a bit of luck, will be the key for me to continue my active lifestyle for a long time to come.

Mary's Front Garden
Photo Courtesy: Mary Ahern

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PREVIOUS INSTALLMENTS:
​
"Walking on the Paths Carved by Centuries of Women Artists"​
I’m Aging Gracefully by Finding Creative Ways to Continue Doing the Things I Enjoy
A Strategy to Embrace: Lifelong Learning
Awakenings in the Garden: An Artist's Journey
Women Helping Women: A Recipe for Success
A Virtual Visitor Had Me Contemplating My Lifelong Career in the Arts
My Dual Passions

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