As February unfolds, I find myself drawn to the land, eager to check on the trees we planted last year. Tennessee’s weather has been unpredictable—one day crisp and cool, the next a glimpse of spring. But in those rare, golden hours of “gardening weather,” I planted new cuttings from a friend’s garden.
There’s something special about tending to plants that began their journey elsewhere. With each careful placement into the soil, I imagine the roots stretching, settling, and adapting—just as I have since moving to this land. Watching them take hold, grow, and eventually thrive is a quiet joy that never fades.
Building Our Off-Grid Sanctuary
Living on this land is a dream realized—one that we’re still shaping, step by step. Our goal is to create a self-sustaining space, where permaculture principles guide our garden and nature feels like home rather than a battle.
But living among the wild comes with its challenges. Boars have been feasting on the saplings we planted years ago, undoing seasons of care in a single night. This year, our focus is on protecting what we’ve nurtured—putting up fences, reinforcing boundaries, and learning to work with the land rather than constantly defending it. It’s a process of trial, error, and adaptation, much like everything else in life.
The Gift of Thornless Cuttings
A dear friend recently shared thornless raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry cuttings with me—a gift of both plants and patience. Unlike the wild brambles that tangle into everything, these varieties will grow with a little more grace, making harvesting far easier in the years ahead.
It will take time before we enjoy the “fruits of our labor,” but that’s part of the beauty of gardening. With each cutting placed into the soil, I’m reminded that growth is a slow and steady process—one that rewards care, consistency, and trust in the unseen work happening beneath the surface.
Embracing Clay Soil Challenges
Planting here isn’t as simple as digging a hole and dropping in a seedling. Tennessee’s clay-heavy soil is dense, stubborn, and unyielding—more like sculpting than gardening. It holds nutrients well, but it also holds onto water, making it easy for roots to suffocate if left unmanaged.
To give my plants the best chance, I mix in peat moss for moisture control, sand for drainage (friends suggestion), and topsoil for balance. With each scoop and blend, I realize that soil, like life, often needs the right adjustments to allow growth. Even in the most difficult environments, with care and intention, something beautiful can take root.
Learning Through Nature and Podcasts
As I dug trenches for my plants, I had a podcast playing in the background—one of those moments where life and learning align perfectly. The speaker on the Audio Verse app shared insights on both gardening and spirituality, and I couldn’t help but notice how the message mirrored my own experience.
They talked about clay soil—how it’s the smallest yet mightiest particle, rich in nutrients but challenging to work with. It doesn’t drain well, yet when handled properly, it creates an incredibly fertile foundation. The key isn’t to fight it, but to understand and work with it. As I listened, I realized how much this applies to both gardening and personal growth—sometimes, what seems like an obstacle is actually the source of our greatest strength.
Strategic Planting with Permaculture Principles
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned from permaculture is that nature already knows what it’s doing—we just have to listen. Instead of forcing plants into places they’ll struggle, I’ve started observing the land and planting in harmony with it.
For example, blueberries hate wet roots, so I’ve placed them in well-draining areas where water naturally moves away. Other plants that thrive in moisture will go in the lower-lying areas that hold water longer. By working with the land instead of against it, I’m not just growing plants—I’m creating a system that supports itself.
Planting Seeds of Joy with Me and a Tree
Gardening has a way of reminding us that growth takes time—whether in the soil, in our relationships, or within ourselves. Some seeds sprout quickly, while others take seasons to bear fruit. But with patience and care, everything we nurture has the potential to thrive.
In the spirit of Me and a Tree, I encourage you to plant something beautiful—whether it’s a garden, a new habit, or simply more moments of self-care. Just like tending the land, taking care of yourself is an investment that yields lasting rewards.
As you embrace the changing seasons, let Me and a Tree be your companion. Whether it’s washing away the day’s work with Charcoal & Kaolin Clay Soap, soothing sore muscles with Menthol Crystals Infused Muscle Rub, or hydrating your skin with Lavender Vanilla Botanical Lotion, these small acts of care make the journey even more rewarding.
🌿 What are you planting this season—physically or metaphorically? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!