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Gardening Without Rain or Pain

After a parched January, the skies opened up and delivered much-needed rain. I’m grateful for every drop. It’s fun to imagine droplets trickling down to the garden’s roots, perhaps encountering an earthworm as they travel. After years of gardening and drought in this semi-arid state, I take nothing for granted.

Various birds, squirrels, and perhaps this Virginia Oppossum drink from our fountain and the smaller birdbath on our deck. All thirsty guests are welcome.

We had one week in January with unseasonable temps in the seventies (F) and no rain; Mike ensured these water sources were clean and full.

Over time, I’ve replaced potted plants along the deck with succulents. Succulents store moisture in their leaves, allowing the plant to go one to three months without water. Conversely, most summer annuals need near-daily watering, so I’ve learned to (mostly) resist when I head to the garden center.

The newest addition to our deck is called an Othonna Capensis. It has thin purple stems and tiny yellow flowers. I transplanted it last summer into a waiting pot, but I wasn’t sure it would make it. The roots were loose and thin. To the contrary, it’s filled the pot nicely and its sending trailing purple offshoots down the sides. I add a few potted cyclamen for color in the fall, and when the corms go dormant, I replant them in different parts of the garden for color the following year.

Working in my garden has been physically challenging these past few years as the pain in my hips worsened. After five years of maneuvering through the US medical system, I finally had a complete hip replacement this past Wednesday. From a medical perspective, the surgery was unremarkable, and I was able to come home the same day. I need to replace the left hip in the future, but I want to fully recover before contemplating another surgery.

If you garden in the Northern Hemisphere, you’ll know February is a decent time to be off your feet. The first six weeks of recovery will carry me through the end of winter, leading to the effervescent gifts of spring.

I’ll be ready.

54 thoughts on “Gardening Without Rain or Pain”

  1. What good news that you’ve had your hip replacement surgery, Alys. I hope your recovery goes well. You’re right that it’s good timing for gardening season, at least your gardening season, although what you have right now looks amazing.

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    • Thank you, Jane. Has it already been a year since your hip surgery? I’m glad to finally have this behind me, and I look forward to all the things I will eventually be able to do again like longer walks, hikes, squating in the garden, and more.

      As for the garden in February, we certainly are spoiled with so much green around us, flowers, too, and the beauty of nature in general.

      How’s life in the new condo?

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      • It’s been over a year now, and the renewed ability to move without pain is precious. And … life in our apt is awesome, thanks for asking. No leaves to rake, no snow to shovel, everything within walking distance. 😊 It won’t be time to start my balcony plantings until mid May, but I’ll let you know how it goes.

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        • Wow! I’m glad you’ve reeped the wonderful benefits that I hear from most people having this miracle surgery.

          I’ll bet not having to shovel snow is at the top of the list lately. I would love to live within walking distance of many things. California perfected urban sprawl, I’m afraid. It’s nice when we travel and can leave the car culture behind.

          I hope you’ll blog about your garden, or perhaps share a few pics.

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      • I am well Alys thank you. I am focusing on those who choose love, integrity and resistance. Like you, I try to find a balance between staying informed, taking action and …taking breaks to focus on the joys of everyday life …creating, participating in my community, growing things, family and friends. I have been thinking of you a great deal lately and can only imagine how intelligent, kind hearted, Americans must be feeling. Sending you hugs and solidarity.

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      • I am well Alys thank you. I am focusing on those who choose love, integrity and resistance. Like you, I try to find a balance between staying informed, taking action and …taking breaks to focus on the joys of everyday life …creating, participating in my community, growing things, family and friends. I have been thinking of you a great deal lately and can only imagine how intelligent, kind hearted, Americans must be feeling. Sending you hugs and solidarity.

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        • I’m glad to hear you are well, Wilma. Your approach to life is admirable and beautiful.

          There was a time when people in this country found it easier to remain friends with others with deferring views, but this is different. I’m no longer able to “agree to disagree” with someone because it’s so much bigger than some policy or approach to governance. A portion of this country elected a madman, a sexual predator, a liar and a cheat. He’s a convicted felon and he is literally getttin away with all of his crimes. I feel sick just writing those words. The US is a laughing stock, and the world is watching, worrying and trying to protect themselves. Many of us will continue to stand for what is right. I hope we’re not too late. xo

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    • Oh, Judy, how right you are!

      I’ve waited so long for this new hip, and I expect a new and improved walking experience when I heal. Being able to squat down in the garden will be huge. Thank you for your well wishes.

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  5. Beautiful as always Alys!! Hope your recovery is relatively pain free. I’m sure you’ll be tip toeing through your tulips by late March or April.

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    • It’s nice to hear from you Amy. Thank you for your always upbeat words. The sun is shining today, and it warmed up to 59 so I walked outside for twenty minutes. Slow and steady winrs the race, right? My pain is well managed and improving daily, and my sleep is more comfortable too.

      Please let me know how your and your family are doing. xo

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  7. Hi Alys, found I can comment in my wordpress reader, but I sent you an eamil anyway! Love those succulents you shared, especially the one with the yellow flower. Take care! 🤗

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  10. I’m not sure if it’s my computer or WP but some blogs seem to not let me get a comment posted. I’m hoping you heal faster than expected. Any surgery is a big deal. The garden will understand and wait for you be feel well enough to visit. Sent a very short email.

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  11. I’m so glad you’ve had the hip replacement surgery and I’m sure you’re going to enjoy freedom of movement once again! I hope you heal quickly, Alys, and when you can handle the other hip you’ll feel so relieved. And your succulents look beautiful. This week we are finally expecting some heavy rain here in Southern California. It could cause havoc in the burn areas, but we are so parched! Our drought ups and downs are sure hard on those of us who love to garden! You’ve managed to make some very lovely and wise decisions. Be well, my friend. ❤️

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    • Debra, thank you for your encouraging words. I’ve heard great things about life after a successful hip surgery. The methods have improved a lot over the years, and the “new” hops are lasting a lifetime, not just a set number of years. It’s been nine days and I’m already feeling more myself. I’m still using the walker but more as a safty net and to support me when I first get up or down.

      We’re getting a true downpour here in the Bay Area and I just took a look at the weather app and see that you’re getting plenty down south as well. I know the burn scars are a great concern, so I’m holding my breath.

      Be well, Debra. Thanks for stopping by.

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      • I’m so glad you’re making progress. It is true these hip replacement surgeries are restoring lives, in my opinion. Believe it or not, an 85-year old friend of mine had both her hips done at the same time. LOL! She insisted, and her surgeon agreed to it–all went well, but I admit I was a little concerned. I’m confident you’re going to do well.

        Yes, we are having (enjoying) more rain than we’ve had in over a year–all in one day! LOL! The burn scar areas are struggling, and that’s sad, but I hope in general this is helpful. Spring is coming and we’ll want to get back into our gardening, so keep up with your PT! ❤️

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        • That’s quite a story. I asked about having both hips done at once and he said no, but that he could do them six weeks apart. I decided to see how the recover goes for t his one, then move forward. I’m floored that she could have them at once, since so much of my walking, climbing stairs, getting up and down, etc. requires one strong leg. I wish her well.

          I can’t wait to get dirt under my nails again, Debra. Garden is a balm as you know.

          Thank you for encoouraging me.

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  15. Your successful hip surgery is wonderful news, dear Alys!! I’m so happy to hear that you are already taking walks outside! 2025 will be one of your best gardening years in ages. Please know that I am cheering you on from afar, Alys!! My heart is smiling, just knowing that you will be pain-free after so many years! 💕 Sending gentle hugs across the miles!🩷 Dawn

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    • Dawn, thank you for all your good cheer. It’s so appreciated. How is your back doing? Have you been able to reduce your pain?

      I’m looking forward to time in the garden once again, and for now, I’m trying to ignore the weeks I can’t do anything about. All in good time. xo

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      • “All in good time.” Such words of wisdom, dear friend! I’m so impressed that you are already taking little walks, Alys!
        My back is ever, so slowly improving. I have another appointment with the spine specialist to discuss further treatment. We are so very grateful for our wonderful neighbors who have been shoveling and snowblowing for us this winter! Sending warm hugs across the miles!! 🩷

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