Lessons from the Garden

As colorful leaves begin to fall from the trees, and the cool autumn temperatures announce the end of the growing season, I've been thinking about what I have learned from my little garden. A garden is a grand teacher, and my little plot has taught me a lot.

I've learned that with a little planning and thought, anyone can grow healthy, organic food. There are many methods of gardening, and the key is to find the method that works in the time and space that you have. Square foot gardening worked great for me. And if I can do it, with my notorious black thumb, anyone can!

Gardens are very forgiving. I made several mistakes along the way, but my vegetables grew in spite of them. Gardens don't demand perfection, only care.

My little garden also taught me that this wonderful place that I live in has a rhythm all its own. Plants will sprout and bloom at the right time - no sooner, no later. The timing in my garden may be different than the timing in someone else's, but it is perfect for this place. I just need to trust and be patient, and the fruits of my labor will come. And isn't that a perfect metaphor for life?

Perhaps the greatest lesson that I have learned during this adventure is the true love of food. When you really love food, you care about where it comes from and how it was grown. You treat it with respect, because you realize what a blessing it is. You savor each bite with a grateful heart. And when we slow down and approach what we eat with care, we then take better care of ourselves - physically and spiritually.

I am already excited about next year's garden. I plan to build one or two more gardening boxes. I am going to try my hand at a larger variety of vegetables and also plant some heirloom tomatoes! This year's garden isn't done yet, though. I'm still enjoying a few vine-ripened tomatoes and green peppers - and keeping a watchful eye on the weather. :) It will be sad when the last of the garden is gone, but that, too, will be a lesson.