how did my backyard turn into a secret garden after 30 years?

Looking at my backyard now, I can’t believe it’s the same patch of grass I started with three decades ago. Back then, I barely knew the difference between mulch and compost. I just kept adding a few plants every spring, testing what survived, and learning to celebrate the little wins—like the first rose that didn’t wilt or the tomatoes that actually ripened on the vine. I figured out that patience is everything. I started saving kitchen scraps for compost, and suddenly my soil was alive. Watering in the early morning made a huge difference, and I learned to let some wildflowers grow just for the bees. Every year, the garden felt more like its own world. Now, it’s my favorite place to unwind, and I love seeing how much it’s changed. Small steps really do add up over time. #gardening #backyardtransformation #naturelovers #growyourown