Another growing season has begun, and just like last year and every year before, I can't help but get just a wee bit nostalgic and sentimental about it all. As a measurement of time, I am reminded of last year's planting time and the children who were a year younger and a year smaller. This year, their knowledge has grown alongside their size. Their strength and their personalities have become clearer than the year before. I remember gardening with each of them in my womb, on my back, at my feet, and now scattered about in my sight...
I am so grateful that their passion for the family garden - to varying degrees, of course - has never wavered. Though Steve and I take most of the responsibility for the garden, they each have their own interest and energy they spend here from time to time. Putting one plant in and running off, or weeding a whole row - it's all so good, really.
We continue to love being a part of our CSA, in addition to adding to what we grow on our own each year. "Just one more bed" we find ourselves saying about this time of year, as we scramble to get it done and all in the ground. As a result, each year we find ourselves going further into the winter and spring seasons enjoying the harvest of summer with what we've grown and preserved, and what our friends have shared. What we learn each season is enormous - in so very many ways.
In addition to what 'the family' plants, each year the kids choose one thing they are responsible for themselves. This year, Calvin has chosen potatoes, Ezra picked brussels sprouts, and Adelaide is going for watermelon (which I have never successfully grown. Any tips for us? I'd need to start with seedlings by now). And her purple garden continues to thrive and flourish with many new additions this year. As for Harper, he's quite content to play in the dirt alongside everyone else (or to dig up all the peas when no one is looking. Oops.)
Some of my most treasured of family moments are spent gathered together and near this space. Just as I began writing this post this morning, the (much needed) rain began to fall and I watched as my little girl - naked as can be - ran out with giggles and glee to congratulate the plants on the falling rain.
Tell me...this season, how does your family garden grow?
