Gardening is least stress-producing when you have at least one little contemplative area that is clean and without a bunch of reminders of all that needs to be done. So take the time to create such a spot where you can watch things like the sunrise or sunset and not be thinking, "Oh yeah, I gotta turn the compost," or "Darn that shrub sure needs trimming." Put a chair or bench facing a clean, passive area. When stressed, go there and read something that fits your particular profile as far as spirituality, nature stories, or gardening stories. NOT something that says what to do this month, or how to build an arbor. You sound like you're carrying a lot of stuff on your back into the garden, figuratively. Lossen up, pal, put your feet up and watch the fall sunsets for a few days. And walk away from the stress-producing things in your life if you can. Good luck. -- Marie

You are a saint, Mrs Hunter, or at least a very compassionate you-know-what. :)

That is why the Permaculture system is so useful. "Work is Pollution" is one of the phrases that I love from Mollison's book. Things are designed with the idea keeping chores to a minimum, though there will be some work in setting it up. A shrub that does not need much or any trimming would be planted. You might even do a no turn compost pile. Much nicer when there are fewer things to do and more time to just hang out in the garden.

Lee AKA Fireraven9
Great woods, you frighten me like cathedrals;
You howl like an organ; and our hearts of misery,
Rooms of eternal mourning where quiver ancient rattles,
Answer the echoes of your from the depths I've come to Thee.
- Charles Baudelaire, Obsession

so does anyone know what happened to marcus3?