Floriferous Ideas: March Musings...

...from work life to pond life!

The work/life juggle:

This week, I returned to work after my surgery. Tiring, yes—but it was good to be back among familiar faces. I’m incredibly fortunate to love what I do. As a Collections Manager in the museum and heritage sector, I am responsible for the care and documentation of the museums collections.

Working in heritage is not without its challenges. It’s a sector often underfunded, under-resourced, and stretched thin. Yet, its strength lies in the tenacity of the people within it lots of talented, dedicated individuals who create meaningful displays and programmes that educate and inspire. It’s not life or death work, I know. But to me, preserving and sharing history feels essential. It holds value beyond its practicality a responsibility I take seriously.

Still, the weight of that responsibility can be hard to carry. I give so much of myself to work, admittedly, perhaps too much at times. The lines blur. When you care deeply about what you do, it’s easy to hold on too tight. But I’m learning. You can be passionate, skilled, and committed, and still allow yourself to step back. You can love what you do without letting it consume you.

As I get back into a normal routine again post-surgery, I’m striving for that elusive balance. I’m not quite there yet, it’s a moving target, shifting with the seasons, the workload, and the demands of the role. But I’m hopeful. Because even on the tough days, I still believe in the worth of this work and that makes it all feel worthwhile.

Finding a career that aligns with your values and sense of self is a rare gift and one I’m grateful to have discovered early in my life. It’s a cliché, I know, but you spend so much of your life at work. You should enjoy it. Not every day will be easy or fulfilling, but if you can leave most days knowing you did your best and feeling proud of the work you do that’s something worth holding on to…(just not too tightly!)

I don’t have the answers when it comes to finding balance. I’ll admit, I struggle with it more often than not. I’d love to know if you feel the same. Do you have any advice or tips on how to strike a healthier work/life/self balance? I’m all ears!

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The Flurry of Spring:

I have always adored spring, but this year, during a season of rest and recovery, I have cherished it even more, I have enjoyed watching the world slowly unfurl and spring into life again.

Last year, I created a nature pond, it is quite small, but one that has quickly become a little sanctuary. Within its waters, delicate oxygenating plants have thrived and are accompanied by clusters of Cuckoo Flowers and dainty blue blooms of aquatic Forget-Me-Nots in the summer. Recently, I introduced a handful of tiny trapdoor snails to help cultivate the pond’s ecosystem. They have already got to work cleansing the water whilst also reducing the ammonia levels too. Amusingly, they arrived by post (Snail Mail 🐌), and seem to have settled in quite happily.

My aim this year is to encourage even more wildlife, I’ve added a small solar-powered water sprinkler (which Percy cat has taken great interest in!). Now, I’m eager to plant along its edges fringes of green that will offer both shelter and sanctuary. It is a little exposed at the moment so I’m considering adding some Dwarf Bulrushes and Yellow Flag Iris and other plants that will (hopefully!) soften the pond’s outline and provide cover for visiting creatures. With a little luck, and a touch of patience, I’m hoping the pond will soon become a haven not just for insects and birds, but perhaps even for frogs. Fingers crossed. 🐸

The magnolias have begun to bloom, and the promise of blossom is close at hand. The seeds I sowed back in February and early March are now pushing their way through the soil, transforming into little seedlings. The autumn-grown sweet peas have been planted out, and now I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of my Farmer Gracy order containing my summer-flowering bare roots!

There is a quiet thrill in the air as I watch this garden evolve, and despite the tasks that still lie ahead, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement for what’s to come!

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What are your tips on juggling work and life outside of work?
I would love to know if you have a little pond or wildlife area in your garden. Or do you have any tips on how we can attract more wildlife to our garden?