United by a love for gardening, small business owners Mabel and Walt find joy in the cycle of planting, nurturing, and harvesting. Listen in as they discuss how this passion influences their approach to work-life balance, and mental well-being.
Mabel:
You know, I never thought I’d say this, but gardening might be the one thing keeping me from losing my mind these days.
Walt (laughing):
Same here. Who would’ve guessed two personalities like us would find peace wrist-deep in soil?
Mabel:
Right. I used to think I needed to be doing something “productive” all the time. But now, tending to my tiny veggie garden feels like… a different kind of productivity. Like I’m actually feeding my mind, not just my to-do list.
Walt:
Exactly. I’ve got a big backyard, so my setup’s more expansive. Raised beds, compost bin, even a little shed for storing a lawnmower, gardening tools, seeds and fertilizer. But here’s the thing—I do that to control something in a world that sometimes feels chaotic. And interestingly, the garden taught me the opposite: to let go.
Mabel:
Love that. For me, it’s about slowing down. After long days juggling work, and deadlines, there’s something incredibly grounding about checking on my basil or pulling weeds. It forces me into the present. Almost meditative.
Walt:
Ah yes, the Zen of gardening! But seriously, there’s actual science behind that. Getting your hands in the soil exposes you to beneficial microbes—which are linked to lower stress and better mood. It’s like nature’s antidepressant.
Mabel:
I read that too! Plus, the sense of routine helps. You can’t rush a tomato plant. You must meet it on its own terms. That patience? It’s changing how I deal with people and stress. Even just watering in the morning—it’s a ritual.
Walt:
And let’s not forget about winter. In Ontario, the growing season is so short. We cram in as much as we can from May to October, but then it’s months of grey and cold. I started growing herbs indoors just to feel that life around me.
Mabel:
Same. I turned part of my windowsill into a little indoor jungle. Even bought a grow light. It’s not just about the plants—it’s about hope. That something is still growing, even when everything outside is frozen solid.
Walt:
There’s something powerful in that, isn’t there? I think we “business folk” are always searching for control, progress, achievement. But gardening shows us that growth doesn’t always look like a checklist. Sometimes it’s slow, subtle, and completely out of our hands.
Mabel:
Totally. And the mental well-being benefits aren’t just in the harvest. Sure, I love fresh tomatoes, but it’s the process—the soil under my nails, the silence, the small victories—that really heals.
Walt:
Uh huh. It’s made me kinder to myself, actually. If a seed doesn’t sprout or a plant dies, I don’t take it personally anymore. I learn, adapt, try again. That mindset carries over to everything else, especially taking new paths and continuously learning, testing new technology in my work.
Mabel:
So true. Who knew something as simple as gardening could help us stop being so…well, assertive?
Walt:
Ha! Speak for yourself. I still weed the garden almost weekly and have a watering schedule. But now, I do it with joy.
Mabel:
Ya? And hey, if anyone reading this is feeling burned out, anxious, or stuck in a mental fog—try planting something. Even one little pot of parsley on the windowsill. You might be surprised by what starts to grow…inside you, too.
Walt:
As a kid, during the short days of winter, I would germinate and plant Marigold seeds in my bedroom window. By late winter and early spring, they were in bloom. I marveled at their stages of growth and the scent in my room. Laid the base for a life of gardening and peace of mind.
Take Away
Whether you’ve got a sprawling yard or a single windowsill, gardening can be a lifeline—especially in Ontario’s long winters and brief bursts of sunshine. So go ahead, get your hands dirty. Your mind will thank you.