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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Any gardeners out there? How do you keep your garden as beautiful as you would if you could still get out there and do it?

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Santa Rosa, CA

I’m so sick of seeing my beautiful garden such a mess…I have a gardener who comes once a month. He does a pretty good job(in 8 hours) but not close to how it would look if I could manage it myself. So frustrating!!!

August 13
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Answer Summary

Members connected over the frustration of not being able to tend their gardens the way they used to, sharing that the loss of this hobby can... Read more

Members connected over the frustration of not being able to tend their gardens the way they used to, sharing that the loss of this hobby can feel deeply personal, especially for those who are very visual or passionate about their outdoor spaces. Several members shared practical strategies like working in short 10 to 15 minute bursts, using a folding stool to protect posture, planting low-maintenance flowers like hostas, and switching to container gardening on patios. A recurring theme was learning to let go of perfectionism, finding joy in small efforts, and knowing that others in the community truly understand the struggle.

MyFibroTeam

That frustration is so valid — your garden is an extension of you, and watching it fall short of your vision is genuinely heartbreaking. Many MyFibroTeam members share this kind of grief over things they used to do effortlessly.

Here are some practical ideas that may help bridge the gap:

- Increase gardener visits — even Show Full Answer

That frustration is so valid — your garden is an extension of you, and watching it fall short of your vision is genuinely heartbreaking. Many MyFibroTeam members share this kind of grief over things they used to do effortlessly.

Here are some practical ideas that may help bridge the gap:

- Increase gardener visits — even bi-weekly instead of monthly could make a noticeable difference
- Create a detailed task list for your gardener so nothing gets missed during their visit
- Simplify the garden design — low-maintenance plants, ground cover, and mulch reduce upkeep dramatically
- Raised garden beds allow you to do small tasks yourself without bending or kneeling
- Container gardening gives you control over a smaller, manageable space on good days
- Hire a second set of hands occasionally — a neighborhood teen for light weeding can fill the gaps

On better days, even 10–15 minutes of light, enjoyable tasks (like deadheading flowers while seated) can help you feel connected to your garden without overdoing it.

The goal is working *with* your body, not against it — and there's no shame in redesigning your garden to fit your life now. Your garden can still be beautiful, just on different terms.

August 13
A MyFibroTeam Member

I started growing all my flowers in pots on the patio in the last couple years because I just can't get out in the garden anymore. I'm pretty happy with them and luckily they're not too fussy. Just Dead Heading every now and then.

August 14
A MyFibroTeam Member

Very annoying for sure, Fiona! I used to be able to spend all day, I miss it!

August 23
A MyFibroTeam Member

I love gardening, but can only do 4 minutes at a time at the moment, it’s really annoying!

August 23
A MyFibroTeam Member

The month of July was pretty hot here but as of August it's starting to cool down. Kind of a strange year!

August 15

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