This is a post about gardening and other metaphors that occurred to me once I started trying to learn how to garden.
Gardening and other metaphors
Something I was hoping to do last summer (but never got around to and didn’t really know how to) was have a few vegetables growing. Vegetables that I could call my own. Something to grow and nurture and mature and feel proud of.
Well, that was last year.
This year I still held hope but was no more motivated to act. But then the opportunity presented itself for a 14×6 plot near-ish my home…for free. All I have to do is plant it and tend it, nurture, mature, and feel proud of it.
So I figured I should take the opportunity while it was there.
Learning how to garden
It’s a community garden, which is really handy for those who don’t have the space and/or opportunity to garden at home. And I think the whole “community garden thing” is really catching on. For me this arrangement is wonderful for a few reasons.
- I don’t have a yard and/or garden in my condo
- I don’t have the time or desire to tend more than a small plot
- I’ve been interested in connecting closer in my community and this is one way to do that
- I want to learn more about growing vegetables and about the world I live in
- I don’t know how to garden, not really. And I don’t know if I would like one in the future. This is a good way for me to find out. A trial period if you will. To see if it sticks
So, yes, I’m doing something trendy but I’m also doing something educational, “green” (which I suppose you could say is also trendy), sustainable, and cost-effective. Oh, and I’ll be sure to be eating healthier if all goes according to plan.
Like, if the stuff actually grows.
While we were planting the plot I couldn’t help but look around at the other plots and the other gardeners in our garden. Most of them are couples, and many are seasoned gardeners. Or at least somewhat experienced.
I also couldn’t help but notice the confident way they were all preparing and planting their areas. And the cool tools they brought with them. Also pre-grown plants. And, well, gardening stuff. It was all a bit intimidating.
My husband and I, well, we brought a few seeds, some tomato seedlings from my mom, some old potatoes in the cupboard that were starting to spud…and a spoon.
Our plan was (and still is) to throw the stuff into the ground, give it some water, and see how it grows.
There’s probably a metaphor in there somewhere—actually probably several—for my marriage but I’m not going to think too deeply on it.
More about me
One more thing. You may be interested in my free resource library. This is where I keep my files, downloads, ebooks, worksheets and whatever else I manage to create. I love sharing what I learn and want to keep adding to this library so it becomes a wealth of helpful goodness.
This is a free resource but I do require a password to access the library itself. You can get access by popping your email address into the form below.
