On Hobbies Still Going, MOJO Realignment, and Projects Yet To Got Off The Ground

Gardening – From Growing Vegetables to Creating a Green Space

When we first moved to Kangaroo Island, we invested in several raised garden beds. I even acquired a few more as payment for window-cleaning jobs. Before long, we had about five beds growing tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, rhubarb and potatoes.

It was satisfying to grow our own food, watch it develop and eventually enjoy the results in the kitchen. The vegetable garden fell by the wayside after Sarah and I separated, but gardening itself hasn’t disappeared from my plans.

Living on my own in a little unit has changed what I’d like to do.

Rather than concentrating on vegetables, I’m interested in creating a more decorative garden, with ferns and other plants that have large leaves and grow reasonably tall.

Part of the attraction is practical. I want to soften the rather sterile look of the external brickwork around my unit and make the place feel more inviting. I’m also hoping the plants might attract different birds, giving me more opportunities to get the camera out.

Gardening, photography and spending time outdoors could complement one another quite nicely.

I haven’t ruled out growing vegetables again.

I might eventually bring one of the raised garden beds from the garden I established at her place into my backyard and plant potatoes and tomatoes. For now, I’m happy to experiment, see what grows well and gradually make the outdoor space my own.

Cooking – Getting Back To Enjoying My Own Food

Cooking is another interest I’d like to give more attention to. There’s something appealing about growing your own ingredients, preparing a meal and enjoying the results.

If I get back into growing potatoes, tomatoes and other vegetables, that will give me another reason to spend time in the kitchen. But I don’t need to turn cooking into a business, collect elaborate recipes or become the next celebrity chef. I’d simply like to prepare good food, experiment a little and make better use of the ingredients I have.

It’s something I can develop over time, without a deadline, an audience or any pressure to make money from it. Sometimes a hobby is worthwhile simply because it makes everyday life a little more enjoyable.