And gardening is a delight … but hard work … you can't go away for the weekend or turn your back on the garden … it needs constant attention … Some places gardening is infeasible … And if you have animals, you can't miss providing their food and water and shelter … your mind is on them and their needs always … it's a responsibility that becomes part of your life … you wake up in the morning and tend the animals first before tending yourself or your own family … Is it a joy or a burden? It's a way to be on a piece of land … it trains your mind and body to become task-oriented and dedicated, like nothing else … but the idealism fades quickly and there's a job to be done. There's ALWAYS a job to be done. You learn a lot of skills.