Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Dreaming of Gardens...

Lately, I dream of gardens. Vegetable gardens. Ones that overflow with tomatoes and cucumbers and melons, and yes, even squash. As spring approaches, my heart yearns to be outside, working in the soil, preparing for that abundance we'll see in July, August and September, when the labors of March and April come to fruition. In a world of instant gratification, I find growing my own food immensely satisfying - it's my own personal connection to my food chain, and a remembrance of the process of creation. There is little in life as satisfying as eating a tomato in late summer that came from a seed I planted in March.

How about you? Are you growing a garden this year?

9 comments:

Mama M said...

I will be doing a garden if my dead friends will let me get away from the computer and get out of the house occasionally.

Family history has taken over my life. And the scary thing, I LOVE IT! But it is good to remember living things too. Like sweet smelling newborn heads, and budding roses and tomato blossoms.

Thanks for the perspective.

Love you,

Mom

Lara Neves said...

I would like to try. I don' thave much of a green thumb, but I usually give it a try! :)

Have you heard about the legislation that is trying to pass right now banning people from growing their own food? I just read about it, I'll have to find the link so you can sign the petition.

Rachel said...

ditto... my favorite are the pears, raspberries, strawberries and fresh herbs, always ready for cooking all summer!

The Hurst Family said...

My garden has been scaled back in recent years, but I still grow a few things every year, just for the reasons you expressed. I can already taste those tomatoes, corn, beans and cucumbers. Yummm. RaeAnn

Joanna said...

I wish I had a yard so I COULD garden. I was actually thinking about your garden just this morning too, because we watched an episode of Curious George about composting. Fun stuff.

Lara Neves said...

Mary,

Here is a blog post that someone wrote that has lots of links for more info on the bill that they are trying to pass, as well as a link to an online petition.

http://crazyladyonroad80.blogspot.com/2009/03/do-you-like-organic-or-like-to-garden.html

Papa said...

There really is a bill being presented in congress (HR 875/S 425) named the "Food Safety Modernization Act." However, if you're concerned about it, go to http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/organic.asp, or go to About.com and search for "HR 875". It probably wouldn't result in most of the dire consequences being cited, but, as with anything passing thru congress these days, it's probably an attempt to kill a gnat with a sledge hammer, and I'm afraid I have little trust in anything they're trying to do these days.... (sigh). And somehow there seem to be many "unintended" consequences to such legislation. There are links to the text of the bill itself on these websites (I haven't read it myself). Hope this is helpful. :-)

Love--Dad

Sara said...

Yay for square foot gardening! We've started our own boxes (finally) and the peas have already started poking up. Thanks for the good example!

Bonnie Wayne said...

So - I have been meaning to comment on your post for about a week now, or something. YES - I am so excited about doing the garden this year. Our garden group here in IL is getting very excited about Square Foot Gardening. Have you ever tried it? I just got done reading the book and I am TOTALLY sold on the idea.

Your garden sure thrived last year - I am sure you will have squash and tomatoes aplenty!