How Does Your Garden Grow?
Slowly and Then All At Once...
Like falling asleep or falling in love (John Green, “The Fault in Our Stars”)
Like the collapse of the Soviet Union
Like going bankrupt (Hemingway, “The Sun Also Rises”). Actually, “gradually then suddenly” but you get the idea.
I complain about the gray chill, the 7-month winters, the frozen ground, and tend to wax on about my longing for gardening season. Then the sunny warmth returns and I act as if caught unawares. The near-daily rain and the rapidly thawing soil create bursts of weeds everywhere we look. I appreciate weeds for their flowers and medicinal uses. But once they have passed their phase of blossom pollen and green foliage, they must be removed in order to start our food crops. Thus, the seemingly sudden need for labor all over the property, all at once. Weeding, digging, planting, mulching, pruning. Rewarding and fortunate work.
I actually enjoy weeding. I love the satisfaction of pulling up the roots and uncovering the soil made darker and more nutrient-dense by the weeds. It’s glorious to be outside in the sun, and I finish many an audiobook this way.
Spring Photo Barrage
Many hands make light work
But we’re down to few hands for the heavy work until early August/ after Lammas Day. Two of our number still in Japan, another gone to North Carolina, and a fourth now in Colorado for a week-long visit. Great opportunities for them all, for which we’re thankful, especially to family who are hosting our young adults. Please send hopes & prayers to our dog, who has learned the meaning of suitcases waiting by the door. I’m taking some days off work to spend with him (kidding not kidding).
New Bees!
I’m officially the beekeeper now! Only with a whole lot of help, but I’m feeling pretty great about it. My dad and his dear friend I’ve known all my life power-cleaned the frames from the old hive. Our son went with me to pick up our new colony. We got them safely home, found the queen, transferred them to the hive box, and have the joy of seeing them on their foraging flights. They are so gentle that so far I’ve been able to be around the hive with minimal protective gear.
How goes May for you, readers? Are there garden chores you truly enjoy? What plants are currently starring in your garden? Are you facing new challenges or adventures?
—Erin, in Michigan
Wow. Your garden is full! No grass.
The apple blossoms are beautiful! And great shot of the bumble bee.
My garden is winding down for the summer. I've learned not to sow anything just to watch it struggle during the months of 110F and higher, but right now I have a couple of Early Girl tomatoes that are doing great and so is the kale and all the different peppers.