Back in the day, I wore flip-flops to garden, even at the risk of breaking an ankle in situations of rabbits and chasing and throwing of things.
That was then, and this is now. Though I live in California, at the point when I moved into this apartment, I indeed did not have the requisite cast-off flip-flops available, the shoes that are still intact but not yet viable for walking around.
I realize there are plenty of people who feel that flip-flops are never viable, but come on. See above. I live in California, even if I do live in the super-temperate Bay Area. Plus, I’ve always been more of a flip-flop girl than, say, a Jimmy Choo girl.
The shoes most ready to be cast away at the time were a pair of slip-ons that I bought at Payless back in Iowa. (See? It’s like I said. And I know all you Jimmy Choo girls just threw up in your mouths a little.) Though they’re not flip-flops, they were perfect for stashing out on the patio so I could step out without tracking dirt in and out of the house, and now that I’ve mashed down the heels so they are morphing into some sort of broken-down mules, they’re even easier to slip on and off as I come and go.
Here is what else I didn’t have when I started gardening this time around: normal-sized tools. I have the world’s greatest mini-tool set, one that my friend Susan gave me as a gift, and that I love. And so I extracted its garden shovel when I got ready to plant my tomatoes because, well, it was the only little shovel I had.
It’s a good thing I needed two hands—one for the little shovel and one for the tomato plant—when I actually started planting. Otherwise? I would have had to photograph myself using the teeny tiny shovel. And that? That would have invited ridicule. I know how it is with you real gardeners out there. Size, indeed, matters.
on Jul 19th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Hey! I use little tools in my containers all the time. Usually just to start the hole and then I give up and just use my gloved hands. And I garden in flip-flops all the time. So much easier to rinse off my feet that way. And even wearing real garden shoes (which I have), I manage to get dirty feet.
on Jul 20th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
I have garden shoes, too, Heather. And when I wear them, my feet are still filthy from the grass and soil. Might as well wear flip flops and hose ‘em off before going inside. Also, little garden spades rule. They’re so much easier to use for seedlings.
on Jul 21st, 2010 at 9:40 am
Heather, I love gardening in flip-flops. And I do, indeed, have a pair that will eventually be slated to replace the current shoes.
Susan, totally — the little spades are perfect for seedlings!
on Jul 21st, 2010 at 7:33 pm
I Love that I am not the only one who breaks down the heal of my sandals so they slide on and off!!! My husband gives me crap all the time. Laughed out loud when I read your post. Thanks for sharing!
on Jul 22nd, 2010 at 8:32 am
Love flip-flops. I’m from Austin where flip-flops are year-round attire, suitable for all but black-tie occasions. Since moving up to the northeast, I’ve learned that here, flip-flops are eyed as somewhat exotic creatures. Definitely not daily wear. Anyway, your post made me laugh. I don’t wear flip-flops to garden, but I wear crocs…probably an even greater fashion error. I’m a fellow inadverdent gardener, and I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts!
Gena
on Jul 22nd, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Jodee, you’re welcome, and no…you are NOT alone. :-)
Gena, thanks for stopping by and for reading! I keep thinking I’m going to get better at this gardening thing, and that when I do, it’ll ruin my shtick, but there seems to be something new to screw up at every turn…whee!