Gardening?

Well, it is April 5th and thoughts are turning to spring and gardening. In 2 weeks I will be running several homeschool students ages 0-13 through a heavily condensed version of the Jr. Master Gardener Program in 2 hours. This is normally a 6-7 week course so I am trying to decide which information is the most important to give to this wide age grouping.

I myself am having gardening thoughts and wishing for warmer days in which to work outside. I find myself gazing in the seed isle trying to decide which are the most desired for my planting this year. As I stare at all the seed packets with the pictures on it I can envision the meals I can make with the fresh food as well as the produce I can preserve for future use.

Many people would argue with me but I feel like planting, tending, growing and harvesting a plant is one of the most intimate expereriences you can have with God's planet. Next to having a hand in bringing life into the world if that be through your own children or through animals that have been put in your care. Some projects we take on are long to the finish to see the end results. Raising our children is one of those. It takes lots of time and patience and we dont see the results of what we do for many years. Planting a fruit tree takes time and patience put produces seen results much faster than children, normally within about 3 years. Still time but not near as much. Crocheting or knitting a scarf, much faster, maybe a few days. maybe a little less or more but the end comes quickly along with the satisfaction of a well done job.

In 90 days give or take I can have wonderful healthy food for my family that takes a little time a little patience and gives great results. When digging in the garden or weeding or watering I get a close up look at lots of things I would never pay attention to otherwise. Yes even those completely disgusting tomato hornworms that make my toes curl up in a ball as I type right now. If nothing else put a pot on your porch, drop a seed in it and see what comes up. You might be suprised. Then take time to enjoy the beauty in it even if only for a short time.