I'm a gardener

I went to my parent's farm early this morning to await the delivery of a truck load of gardening soil. While waiting, I started pulling weeds that were growing profusely on a forsaken patch. That was when I realised the weeds were growing on rich and fertile soil. I was so excited, like I had discovered an oilfield in a swampland!

Crouched beneath the wooden flower stands, I couldn't stop admiring the earthworms wriggling about on the black earth. After 20 years of growing orchids on the racks, the soil below had become so enriched and composted, it's no wonder the grass were thriving. I continued working until my hands were covered in black mud. My office attire was drenched in sweat, I had to take another shower.

It was so satisfying to see the small piece of land all cleaned up and ready for planting again, I sowed some coriander and lettuce seeds immediately. The sun was starting to beat down on me and my hair was matted to my head but I felt completely overjoyed. Gardening, especially the intensive and labourious type at the farm, never fails to give me a rush.

To be honest, I would be happier working in the farm than at the office desk. At this moment, it is not practical for me to do so because gardening doesn't pay the bills but I can already see myself spending my golden years in the farm, just like my dad.

When I was there in the morning, dad was harvesting chye sim, spinach and sweet potato leaves in his vegetable garden. He enjoys working in the farm tremendously but like me, that is only a hobby. He runs a construction business and leaves for work in the late morning. When he returns in the evening, you'll find him mucking around in the patch again until mum hollers out to him to come back for dinner.

It's funny how I like doing all these physical work. My two brothers are just not drawn to the farm like I am. In fact, the kind of gardening I like best is shoving earth, pushing the wheel burrow, mulching, hoeing and digging. You know, all the rough and hard work most girls would never dream of doing. The adrenalin rush I get from this is better than running a marathon.

I didn't realise how much I missed that until today. I used to spend my entire weekend covered in sweat and mud when we were living there. I miss the sun on my back, the toned muscles and my golden tan. I also miss having the dogs frolicking about as I worked. Somehow, I don't feel the same kind of thrill pottering about in my little high-rise patio garden. It's just not the same.