The Simple Life

By Sally Giles. Wynn Vale, South Australia

I have a fence in my back yard which I have never liked the look of. And the view over the fence is not very interesting, just a few roofs and electrical wires. So I have tried over the years to plant things which would cover the fence and not grow too high but high enough to cover the view. Initially, I bought several camellia bushes and planted them along the fence. The camellias struggled and developed a weird look on the leaves that I thought was a virus or a disease as they looked so unhappy and were definitely not thriving. I took a few leaves and put them in a plastic bag and went to the local garden centre. The expert there took one look at the sad leaves and said, “They are sunburnt, wherever you have got those camellias planted it is too hot and sunny and they will never be any good there.” So I went home and paid a gardener to remove all the camellias. It was a sad day as he dug them out and dragged them away.  My fantasies of camellias flowering all winter — and lovely bushes with dark green glossy leaves all summer — were dashed.

After some time, I had another great idea. Saltbush, I thought — now that is a hardy grower. There is a hotel in Mary Creek which has a stunning saltbush hedge out the front and I had long admired it. I imagined a saltbush hedge which would cover my fence, and I love the blue grey of the Australian bush. So off I went, full of enthusiasm, and came home with three “old man saltbush” plants. I planted them along the fence, and they seemed to love it. They grew and grew and grew and grew. Forget about a neatly trimmed hedge — I had the day of the triffids happening in my yard. The saltbushes grew up and out and every which way. They became huge quite quickly and there was no indication they would stop growing any time soon. I was not keeping up with the trimming and chopping back. I had some friends over for lunch and one of the women, who was a very good gardener, said, “You had better do something about that saltbush or they will take over the whole yard.” So I paid another gardener to remove the saltbushes.

This whole sad story sometimes reminds me of a metaphor for life. I seem to get a great idea, or start something which has a way of taking over my life. The great idea which becomes a lot of work or the new project which started small but becomes a life-depleting chore. The fantasy I saw when these things started was just a fantasy. As I am getting older, I have discovered life is a whole lot simpler and easier without a “project,” be that a great idea or a plan for my life. Why do other people always tell me I should be doing this or that, when as I am fine as I am? I don’t want to publish a book, be a commercial artist or have the most marvellous grandchildren. The simpler and easier life is, the better, the more satisfying, and less stressful life is.

The simpler and easier life is, the better, the more satisfying, and less stressful life is.

Now, in my garden, I have developed a fondness for succulents. They are such cheerful little plants, need very little maintenance, never get overgrown, seem to thrive on neglect, and are otherwise perfect for the lazy gardener. And in my life, I have de-cluttered and simplified so my life is easier and more fun, without any complications, or stressors. And what a marvellous way to live.