🏗 The Plan Was Simple…
I was in the final phase of building out the Chaos Garden. The raised beds were halfway done, the dirt and rock were waiting, and I had a plan. All I needed was a rented skid steer, a bit of grit, and some decent weather.
What I got was mud. So. Much. Mud.
🚜 Renting the Skid Steer
I’d never driven a skid steer before, but I wasn’t about to let that stop me. Honestly? The first few minutes were a blast. I even started laying gravel and feeling kind of like a heavy equipment pro.
But then I hit the learning curve—hard.
😅 The Mud Took Over
The ground was saturated from weeks of rain. Before I knew it, the skid steer was stuck. Like, really stuck. I tried everything I could think of. Eventually, I fell into a mud hole, and it took help to get me out.
Now, here’s the twist: I’m claustrophobic. So being stuck like that? It wasn’t just annoying—it was terrifying.
💪 Chaos Turned to Grit
In the end, I:
Despite the mud, the setbacks, and the full-on panic moment, I kept going. I finished laying gravel. I filled the beds. I even returned the skid steer with only minor emotional damage and a few extra gray hairs.
Was it a smooth ride? Not even close. But I did it.
🧠 What I Learned
This wasn’t just a garden project. It became a lesson in trust—trusting myself to try something new, make mistakes, and still come out stronger on the other side.
The Chaos Garden lives up to its name. But every muddy mess makes me more confident. A little braver. And, dare I say, a whole lot scrappier.
🌼 Got a Garden Disaster Story?
If you’ve ever been stuck—literally or metaphorically—you’re not alone. What’s your biggest garden fail or mud moment? Drop it in the comments. I promise, I’ll laugh with you (not at you).
Because in this garden? Chaos is part of the compost.
💬 Let’s Chat!
Any tips on how not to get buried alive in a Skid Steer, drop them below!
Drop them in the comments or come hang out with me on YouTube!
👩🌾 About Me
I’m Brennan Leigh—a dirt-loving, DIY-building, chaos-wrangling garden enthusiast sharing the real story of growing joy through imperfection.
Learn more about the Chaos Garden right here.
🌿 Keep Exploring the Chaos Garden: Coming Soon!
Here are a few more muddy adventures and garden wins you might love:
- 🛠️ Skid Steer Disaster & Raised Bed Build
Mud holes, machinery, and miracles. What could go wrong? - 🧹 Greenhouse Prep Before the Storm
Cleaning chaos, seed starting, and prepping for the next big bloom. - 🌸 Side Quest: Passageway Garden
Small space, big dreams—and probably too many flowers.
Or hop over to the full blog archive and binge the chaos at your own pace. Bring snacks.
🌱 Want More Garden Chaos in Your Inbox?
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