some people just don't get it

[kirsty b]

Hope your friend sees the end of the tunnel soon. For the last few years I have had a cleaning job in the evenings, but last week got laid off from that. While its not in the same league as your friend, I did feel a wee bit sad, because I really do like the people at the company where I cleaned and I'll miss them. BUT, it gives me more time in the evening at home to bake, sew, go down the plot, whatever.
I'm 31 now and started GYO at 28, while I'm not right good at it, it gives me 'me' time because the kids are'nt bothered about the plot I can disappear down there, and thats where my beloved chooks are. Also considering joining local WI too.

[Glutton4...]

...Also considering joining local WI too.

The Witches Institute?! At your age?!

[Victoria26]

I'm 26 my husbands 23. He loves the garden but doesn't like the gardening. He's agreed that I can have my kitchen garden so long as it still looks beautiful. I am an immaclate gardener and love everything looking structured!

I got hooked on gardening last year and take so much pride in my lifestyle that I try and flaunt it as much as possible! Lol! (By that I mean going round all the usual suspects with gifts of fresh, organic produce)

I'd love an allotment and dont mind if someone tries to take the mick... I'd just snigger at their ignorance.

[Matt.]

Variety is the spice of life right?

Not everyone has to like growing your own and thats ok. Sometimes it can be a lot of effort for not a lot back. Also just imagine how long the waiting lists for allotments would be if everyone wanted one?!

[SlugLobber]

Is now the time to confess I've considered joining the WI, too? There's an evening group in my village, about 5 mins walk away!

Matt, I think the points above aren't that 'everybody *should* love gardening and other wholesome pursuits' but more that those who don't love it are ridiculing those who do. I still don't understand how my sister can be proud that she binge drinks for entertainment, yet take the michael out of me for admiring the countryside and growing my own food!

[petal]

"I still don't understand how my sister can be proud that she binge drinks for entertainment, yet take the michael out of me for admiring the countryside and growing my own food![/QUOTE]"
Doing both is even more fun!!!!!

[SlugLobber]

"I still don't understand how my sister can be proud that she binge drinks for entertainment, yet take the michael out of me for admiring the countryside and growing my own food!

"
Doing both is even more fun!!!!![/QUOTE]

I suppose that'ss why wine and gardens go so well together, tee hee!

[Creemteez]

Is now the time to confess I've considered joining the WI, too? There's an evening group in my village, about 5 mins walk away!

Matt, I think the points above aren't that 'everybody *should* love gardening and other wholesome pursuits' but more that those who don't love it are ridiculing those who do. I still don't understand how my sister can be proud that she binge drinks for entertainment, yet take the michael out of me for admiring the countryside and growing my own food!

You have to feel sorry for her really, don't you.

[gemlady]

It's sad when people lose their jobs, particulary now as there are so many people going for the same job, and I'm sure it's easy to become depressed about the situation. However, turning down the offer of help from a friend and being insulting to boot, isn't going to help.

Lots of people think gardening is an old person's hobby, but that's probably because these days we are so far removed from the food chain. I'm very glad to see though that lots of young children are being given the opportunity to garden and grow things through schools etc, so all is not lost.

Tell your friend that gardeners are fit, forward thinking people with patience, perseverance and a 'positive, can do' attitude, qualities most employers are looking for I think.

[marigold007]

"...gardeners are fit, forward thinking people with patience, perseverance and a 'positive, can do' attitude, qualities most employers are looking for... "

Going to paraphrase that for my CV, I am.

[SlugLobber]

Updating CV now, lol! Extra skills: jam making, spud nurturing, tomato growing...

[Flummery]

Technical forum experience...

[allotmentlady]

I was recently talking to a friend of mine who has unfortunatly lost his very well paid job, he was complaining that although his partners wages cover the bills and morgage etc that his bills were higher because he was eating more and using more heat and electricity due to being at home all day and just watching tv etc.

so i suggested why not use his very big garden and start to grow his own, i even offered to 'donate' my seeds and spare tools and very little knowledge that i have.

he screwed his face up at me like i was from another planet and said 'i'm not 50 yet you know' - i'm only 26 so i don't understand that one but he just doesn't seem to get it, he could save tons of money and keep himself busy all at the same time. i know that losing a job can crush your self-esteem etc but some people just don't get it

I am 33 and a few weeks ago was called 'sad' cos I had an allotment....apparently I have no life. This person goes out drinking most nights feeling rather ill and having no money, who is sad lol?

It used to be that retired people acquired an allotment but nowadays its young and old.........

People have their own opinions lol..........ur happy with what ur doing, let em get on with it.....

[Alison]

Most peeps that I've told are quite interested in my lottie, most wouldn't want their own, some don't understand at all but I've been impressed with the general interest and any teasing has only been low level. Several people I know with kids have asked if they can bring the kids up to show them about growing stuff and so we're hoping to have a child friendly potato planting day in a couple of weeks time.

[Marthaclematis]

I'm 48 and only started gardening last year... I SO WISH I'd started earlier, I feel I've missed out on years of joy. I always grew flowers and bulbs in pots but I guess I just didn't have the confidence before. It wasn't till we moved into this house with a small town garden (which is all mine and not shared like before) that I thought I could actually do something. I am loving it and I'm never going to be without a garden again - its going to be hard to find one when we move to Brighton in five years (that's the plan anyway) but I'll get one of those relocation companies to help me find one.