kentiff2's Blog

Veggie Gardening is Fun . . . and Tasty
Apr 4, 2007 | 3:41 PM PST
Tags: turnips , potatoes , onions , carrots , sweet potatoes , lettuce , cucumber , corn , squash , relaxed , calm , therapeutic , rosemary , oregano , cilantro , basil , brocolli , tomato

Okay, so here's my story. I'm the Grandson of a vegetable farmer from Canada. He started life as a farmer, like his father was, and quickly realized he had a passion and skill for construction. He took the large parcel of land he had, and began building. His construction business grew so well that gardening was relegated to a hobby and pleasure. After retiring in his 50's he maintained one killer veggie garden. He had turnips, potatoes, onions, carrots, sweet potatoes, lettuce, cucumber, corn, squash, raspberries, and probably a dozen other things I'm forgetting. He loved his large backyard garden.

I always wished I had spent more time with him in that garden of his as he was always so calm and relaxed when he was there. Don't get me wrong, he was always calm, but he was especially peaceful when his hands were in the dirt.

Here I am, many years after he's passed, and I'm trying my hands in the dirt with my kids alongside me. Of course, I have far less knowledge and skill than he did, but I do enjoy it very much. It has that same calming effect on me. This past summer was a successful one in the garden with broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, green onions, oregano, rosemary, basil, and cilantro growing quite nicely. I try to include my kids so it's something they can watch grow from their efforts, and then eat and enjoy. It's a special treat!

Now, if I could just keep my 10 year old Labrador retriever from eating all the ripe tomatoes I'd be thrilled.