The great coverup

If the ticks consider you prime property, you probably no longer garden with the same childlike spontaneity of yesteryear. I’m beginning to regard my garden as a combat zone! In days of old, I would drop, at a moment’s notice, whatever I might be doing and head out to the garden, even for a few minutes. Now, it takes me far more time to ready and prep myself for combat.

I used to garden in what one would call appropriate attire: a pair of overalls (easy access for tics) or trousers and a T-shirt. Now, I garden in attire that makes me perspire! Talk about a passion turning into a problem. I don’t dare deadhead a single daisy unless I’m covered from head to foot.

Well, at least I now have reason to keep pantyhose that are snagged and full of runs, formerly sent to hosiery heaven. I’ve discovered that they’re perfect for additional protection and cover-up. Of course, in the heat of the summer, wearing pantyhose under jeans is isn’t exactly cool! I also make certain to tuck my T-shirt (long sleeves of course!) under the panty hose, which secures the shirt still more and thus gives the ticks less opportunity for entry.

My husband’s long-sleeved, collared dress shirts, those he no longer wears to work, are ideal worn over my T since the collars stand up and protect my neck (hot). I also make certain to pull my high socks (hot) over my trouser legs, which by the way, I now spray with OFF.

As for my head, I’m a sight to behold. I wear a shower cap under my gardening hat, the chic kind one finds in one’s hotel bathroom goodie bag (hot and ugly).  

So, how do I feel when I garden now that the big cover up is put into play? Believe me, I no longer break out in a sweat because I’m worried about getting bitten. Now I sweat (buckets!) because I’m so darn hot!

 Barbara Pearlman is the author of “Gardeners’ Fitness: Weeding Out the Aches and Pains.â€�