Tuesday, March 4, 2008

How does your garden grow?


I have been craving the tomatoes I ate out of my mom's garden since early last fall. Every time I go to the store and buy tomatoes they never stack up. I loved cooking at my parents house last summer because I would gather all the fresh herbs and vegetables that were ripe and add them to the menu. Nothing tastes better than produce picked when it is perfectly ripe.
This year it is my turn to have my own garden. I am really excited, but a little intimidated. As long as I can figure out how to keep the critters out and get some vegetation I will be happy with my first year’s efforts.
I always looked forward to what was in season when we would visit grandma and grandpa's house growing up. Raspberries were my favorite, but I would pick (and eat) what ever there was, whether it was grapes, strawberries, corn, zucchini, tomatoes, pumpkins or squash. Hopefully I can carry on the family tradition. I can't see raspberries and not be reminded of gathering them from my Grandma Joan's garden and her making jam for us, and grandpa Lou would always send us with a bag of zucchini when they were in season. They both passed away this past year but as I am working in my own garden I will be thinking of them.

8 comments:

Lisa R.D. said...

I love gardening too--there is something about the process of starting from a seed and nurturing and caring for it until it produces fruit (or vegetable). We have had great luck with pumpkins (a favorite for our kids) and tomatoes, and recently peppers, but I want to branch out and try some different things. It will make it all the more meaningful for you to think of your grandparents as you do it!

Amy M. said...

Cute tribute to Gr. & Gr. (Grandma used to write that on my cards. "Love Gr. & Gr. Vranes") I have fond memories of picking raspberries in their yard too.

The Parkers said...

Ooh, I'm starting my zucchini's and tomatoes this week. That picture and description got me even more excited.

Jennifer Gerritsen said...

We're glad we found you guys! It's so fun to see pictures of your family! Ben, Jen, Jeremy & Alex Gerritsen

The Airharts said...

I am in the same boat-meaning that I finally have a house to grow my own garden. I want to grow so much stuff this summer but i am affraid that all the squirls will eat them first-let me know if someone tells hyou what to do about keeping little critters out!

Anonymous said...

The other night I asked Ellie what part of summer she is looking forward to and without missing a beat she yelled, "Corn!"

We are ready for fresh summer produce, too! And nothing beats the flavor of one you grew yourself!

callie said...

so now the stalking is mutual! so good to hear from you and to see your sweet family. samuel is one adorable little guy, whether dressed as a cute snuggly bunny or not.

i must add how excited i am that you are going to be gardening...gardening has always been a part of my little house on the prairie fantasy and we have yet to have the place for one...so...with that said...please share your successes and failures with the critters so i can learn too! i love to mooch.

Darleen said...

Maybe you and I can give gardening tips to each other this summer. I really want to start my own also--I'll need to make a garden bed in the backyard. Do you have a section already planned out??