After a cold winter, most gardeners are anxious to be outside and get their hands in the dirt. It’s time to think about waking up the garden for the new growing season. With so much to do and get done sometimes you don’t know where to begin.
Don’t let it overwhelm you! When I get ready to decide on what to plant, I make my choices based upon what my family like best. I do always like to try something new, something I have not tried before to experiment with. If you plant what you love to eat…you will love caring for it even more.
I’m lucky to have enthusiastic garden helpers. My grandchildren look forward to each spring so they can help prepare the garden. I let them choose what they want to “be in charge” of. My granddaughter Audrey likes carrots and olives, so she will be helping with those. Grandson Ehren loves cucumbers ~ he will plant and take care of them. The first thing they do when visiting is check on the garden…And yes, they do pull weeds too!
Spring is a special time for everyone ~ but for the observant gardener, this time of year is magic. There’s nothing quite like seeing new growth appear on trees, witnessing the beautiful process of bud to bloom and getting your hands in the soil to get those plants growing.
We all love to be outdoors on a beautiful day. The fresh air and sunshine are good for mental health, and working in the garden is good for physical health ~ I think it’s the most enjoyable kind of exercise.
There are many benefits of growing own vegetables such as~
It lowers your grocery bill and provides your family with healthy, organic vegetables
Your meals more interesting, personal and tasty
Cultivates mindfulness and provides healthy outdoor exercise
Provides wholesome activity and lasting memories for your children
(this one is especially important to me)
GET INSPIRED! Ask your friends and neighbors…sometimes the best ideas come from hearing and seeing what others are doing. Join you local Garden Club for greats tips and fellowship.
If you recall in previous articles, I purchased an Olive Tree a couple of year ago at the Master Gardeners plant sale. I was very surprised the first year that I had so much success, with a bumper crop of olives. It looks like this year I will again have many to harvest. The tree is already covered with tiny little olives. I’ll keep you posted on their progress and what I’ll do to prepare them to eat.
Audrey and the Olives
My Carolina Jasmine is in full bloom! The fragrance of the blossoms hits you as soon as you walk out the backdoor. The plants have bright, fragrant, funnel-shaped, yellow flowers some either solitary or in clusters. It’s flowers often serve as a signal that winter is coming to an end.
It is a twining, evergreen vine, 10-20 ft. long, that will climb trees, scramble over fences and structures. Mine covers an archway near the garden. Upon close inspection I see bees buzzing around it hitting the blossoms.
EmmyLou ~ The Garden Cat
The earth laughs in flowers ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
