In boxing, every fighter eventually squares off in the ring against a particularly crafty opponent. But, as the saying goes, “you have to roll with the punches.” In gardening, Mother Nature also has a seemingly endless supply of jabs, uppercuts, roundhouses, and haymakers to keep us on our toes. But whether you’re the heavyweight champ or a novice gardener, getting knocked down from time to time doesn’t mean you’re knocked out of the fight. I’m living proof of that.

I made some big mistakes in my garden in 2014. Not just big. One I’d even consider epic that could have spelled disaster. But not only did I get up off the mat, I came up swinging to claim victory in what could well prove to be the most productive gardening season of my life.

That’s what it’s all about. Mistakes – or as I prefer to call them, opportunities– are inevitable.

No two years are alike, and Mother Nature always plays a major role. But no matter what challenges arise, the best gardens can stand the test of time.