...gardening 2009

Tomato Plants with Beautiful Homemade Bamboo Cages made by Hot Husband
Pepper Plants on the Left

I love gardening. It is an unexpected joy in my life. When I was a kid, weeding and planting seemed like the WORST job to be assigned. I hated getting dirt in my nails, sitting where bugs might be crawling and the seemingly monotonous chore of pulling weeds. I didn't understand why people would want to plant a garden when they could just buy the same stuff at the store.

It wasn't until I was an adult that I understood. I love watching the miracle of growing plants. Every day, I walk outside just to stare at my produce. I especially love planting from seed. I am amazed as those little seeds sprout and grow into large plants quicker than I expect. I love to see the beautiful blossoms come, knowing that they will soon be replaced by tomatoes, beans and zucchini. And, I even love pulling weeds and digging in the dirt. I love the way it feels in my hands. I love that I have control over the weeds and what grows in the cute little boxes my husband built me this year.

Every year, our garden seems to get a little bigger. We can't seem to let go of what we planted the year before, but we always want to try something new. I already have added a few things to my list for next year, so my husband may be commissioned to build another box or two. I am already excited!

I am proud of my cute little garden, which has graduated from the "senior citizen sized garden" that my mother-in-law claimed it was last year. (Although, it hasn't grown a ton. It is now a "little family in a little house sized garden.") It has already given us so much yummy produce. I am so glad that I have discovered this passion and developed this little talent.

1. Grape Tomato Blossoms
2. Zucchini and Butternut Squash Plants
3. Basil, Rosemary, Cabbage, Beets, Green Beans and Raspberries
4. Roma Tomatoes