Hidden Joy

4:09 PM Edit This 17 Comments »
It seems fitting to be talking about my garden on a blog called New Life. If you recall last year, I got it into my head that I wanted a garden in the backyard. The previous owners had gardened there and since I know them, was assured that they had spent years feeding the soil with all kinds of compost and goodies. So, one sunny day in June (June!) when my mom and dad had proposed a visit, I called them before they left and told them to bring some work clothes. I thought for certain that my dad was going to have to offer some serious shoveling assistance, but the soil was so wonderfully fed, that I just dug in with the pitchfork and turned it over. Didn't even break a sweat. I was so excited, I didn't even give them time to go to the bathroom before we hit the local nurseries.

And it turned out that I loved my garden. I took pictures of it. I loved it. I spoke to it. It spoke to me. I got to nurture something wonderful. Every morning, I took my reflections book outside with my coffee and smoked a cigarette while I observed what had happened overnight. Some Sunday afternoons I spent on the swing, watching my garden grow. Really. It was that peaceful. And how many nights I ate fried tomatoes for dinner, crusting them with saltines, bread crumbs, even cheez-its because that's what I had. The butternut squash I ate until mid winter. It was glorious

And I want to do better this year. So there will be less flowers and more produce.

What I plan on for now:
Hakurei Turnips
Cippolini Onions
Chiogga Beets
Scarlett Runner Beans
Spaghetti Squash
Big Rainbow and Green Grape Tomatoes
Orange Bell Peppers
Arugula and Mesclun Mix Lettuce
Red Cabbage
Easter Egg Radishes

I've been reading about starting seeds, but Tiny Apartment is so small and in the basement, that I don't think that's realistic. So I'm scouting Seeds For Change and all kinds of places to figure out what I need to do in order to expand the growing season in South Dakota. Sigh. There's still four feet of snow on the ground. But I'm planning. And it makes me so, so happy. It brings sunlight to my soul. And if that's all it takes, I'll peruse garden catalogues until I'm beaming with love and sunlight.

17 comments:

Susan Carpenter Sims said...

This is SO inspiring to me. I've wanted to start a garden for years, but it's always felt like something beyond me. Reading this makes me realize I CAN do it. And I'm going to!

Spilling Ink said...

Your own produce! It's the best, isn't it?

The Maiden Metallurgist said...

Lovely. I mix it up but every year my garden contains tomatoes and mint. Keep a few flowers, they are good for getting bees to polinate your veg plants- and they're good for your soul.

BrianAlt said...

Just don't let the birds at em.

Birds love seeds!

melissalion said...

We're cracking open the canned peaches from summer right now. God, it is so good. A bit of sunshine in February.

Are you canning stuff too? I canned salsa from the garden. Yum!

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

At this time of year, when the winter seems to be extra long, I think it's important to have things to look forward to. Whether it's a beach vacation, a summer trip or personal goals. Those are the things that pull us through this drawn out time. So great that you have an expanded garden to look forward to this year! Can't wait to follow this year's green journey!

buffalodick said...

Plant some hot peppers- easy to grow, bugs and animals don't like them (birds do)and are usually prolific..

Anonymous said...

I'm starting to plan mine too! It's very, very exciting. It means it's coming. Spring and summer are coming and all will be right with the world again!

YAY!!!

PS: I'm still eating tomato basil soup I made last summer and froze. It's totally AWESOME!

Unknown said...

You're so lucky. It sounds delicious. I really wish I could have a garden. My mom broke the news to me last week that I don't have enough sun in my backyard for one.

Rebecca said...

I've been saving the seeds from the bell peppers my son has been eating...think they will grow something or should I just go to the store to buy a packet of seeds?

Kate said...

No clue, clearness! GOOGLE IT! It's how I solve all my problems.

Anonymous said...

This is one of those skills that I clearly don't have and therefore really, really respect. I kill green things. Not, you know, on purpose, it just happens.

Glad you've found something to bring sunshine (even the metaphorical kind) into your life right now!

Jennifer said...

ALWAYS INSPIRING!

tattytiara said...

Oooooooh spaghetti squash and orange peppers and red cabbage - you're growing fun stuff!

carrster said...

Sounds wonderful. I am hoping for many garden photos & entries from you this spring & summer! Happy planting! (and harvesting!!)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for commenting on my blog! I can't wait for apartment life to end so I can have a garden. There's just something so amazing about growing something green and beautiful yourself.

Looking forward to perusing your blog!

artemisia said...

This is very exciting!