It's not only what you wear but why you wear it. I mean really, dahling. Do you want to be caught in that ratty old T-shirt and those stained shorts when the neighbors show up? Your friends and family? Oh, think no one will ever see you and don't want to ruin your good clothes rummaging around outside in the dirt?
Think again. When your garden begins blooming with spectacular flourish, great big green leaves and gorgeous colorful blooms, you will be the envy of the neighborhood. Why, folks everywhere will want to drop by and have a look.
"I heard you had a garden… What are you growing?"
Take their interest as a compliment and this as a warning: you will have unexpected visitors once they glean what a fine gardener you've become. Abundant harvest? They'll also be more than happy to take any samples off your hands!
Which you'll be delighted to share. After all, you're a gardener and gardeners are nothing if not friendly and delightful. Just ask my friends and family. (And if they want to continue receiving free produce, they'll kindly agree.) I'm nothing but sunshine and candy!
But more than looking good out in the garden, you'll want to be sure you have a good sunscreen slathered all over your skin. Sure, you may only plan on being outside for a half-hour, but you'll get so carried away that 30 minutes can easily turn into 3 hours—on the weekends, anyway.
You'll also need a wide-brimmed hat, like this one from Target. We do want to remain young-looking for as long as we can and while that suntan will enhance your appeal short-term, it will devastate it long-term. Ask your dermatologist. She'll tell you. And a chin tie is helpful too... you never know when a gust of wind will come and take your pretty hat right off of your head!
Next, slip on a pair of sunglasses ("seeing eyewear" will also work). When you're busy in the garden with weeding and feeding, you'll be amazed how many things pop into your eyes. I was caught off guard by the first speck of dirt—and instantly grateful for my shades. So don't forget them. Unless of course you feel confident you can manage without your eyesight. Me, I bump into things with two good eyes. Can't imagine what I'd be careening into without one.
Gloves are another important consideration for gardeners. While there are many attractive patterns to choose from, make sure your gloves are functional. I've worn more than one hole through a pretty pair of gloves—just from weeding—and have learned my lesson. Function over fru-fru is my new motto.
My particular preference is a latex bodied-glove with a soft cloth top over the back of my hand. The latex is flexible and durable while the cloth gives me a comfortable section with which to wipe my brow. Check these out from Amazon.
And of course they're washable (clean mine in the sink). Leather gloves can make for a striking choice and should hold up pretty well, though your options for keeping them beautiful are limited.
Remember, at the end of the day you want to relax and admire your garden—not clean your fingernails, fill your eyes with drops and cover your body in soothing aloe.
For more gardening insight, check out my blog at BloominThyme.com.
