Our gazebo has 3 garden boxes and each year I fill them with plants that are hearty and don’t need too much attention. I usually include some herbs/edibles, and this year they are basil and mint. The rest of our backyard garden are all perennials and so this small row of flowers is the only plants I put care into each year.

I often share that I’m not someone who particularly enjoys gardening. Just ask my neighbours who care for their lawns like I care for my kids. Meanwhile I don’t like like yard work and tending to my ugly lawn. But if I’m completely honest, I enjoy tending to these three little garden boxes.

I enjoy cutting basil to add to a salad or pasta sauce. I like the vibrant colours on our deck. And I like nurturing this small row of plants that don’t take too much time to care for. But if I’m completely honest, I also like that it’s pretty low maintenance. No weeding to worry about and just a quick check every couple days that the the soil isn’t too dry.

Still, these three little flower boxes bring me joy, and remind me that summer is finally here.