I consider myself very fortunate to have a garden.
It’s the place I go to work
Get sweaty
And think things through.
Or as my dad used to say
“To think the long thoughts.”
Lately it seems I need that place
The “long thoughts” are occupying my mind
Much of the time.
Perhaps it’s a stage
Or my age
Or summer
When my schedule is a little freer
Than the rest of the year.
One thing I do know
Is it’s important to pass this along
To the next generation.
As a toddler Elliott was by my side
In the garden
Then like all kids
He grew to want and need more freedom
And began to roam the neighborhood.
There were days in junior high
That I thought I had failed
To teach him to love the soil.
Not so
He’s grown into quite a capable gardener
Growing vegetables for their family
And flowers for Kristina to arrange
And share with friends.
I’m certain Elliott’s time on the farm
With my parents
Contributed to his deep appreciation
Of this earth.
So is it nature
Or nurture
I’ve wondered
As the next generation has come along
These past two years?
Can a child being raised in the center
Of a major city
Grow into an appreciation
Of the earth
And the things that can be learned there?
Even at two
It seems we have our answer.
Both Harper and Henry
Love being outside
Constantly wanting to check in on
Sally the salamander.
Who lives in the valve box
Of the park’s sprinkling system.
Or helping with Jojo’s “work”
In the yard.
Henry seems especially interested.
So perhaps it’s both.
Being born into a family
With dirt under their fingernails
On both sides.
Carrying the name of family members.
And watching their parents
Love and appreciate nature
And the gifts that God has given us all.
Gail
I’m home from vacation now and will get back to regular gardening stories soon.
Thanks for indulging m
I love your writing. This post is a lovely perspective. I especially like the concept of “long thoughts”. The garden is the perfect place for those.
Thank you for the compliment. My dad was a farmer/politician and found working the soil the perfect place for long thoughts and problem solving something we can all use.