Well, it seems like it wants to be that time of year again. In our beautiful state of Virginia trying to predict the weather is like trying to drive a chair. It is not worth the trouble. I often envy those poor weather people on TV, mainly because when I am wrong with my profession, there are usually consequences. Either way, it’s time to start thinking about your garden.
Now, firstly let’s understand that I am no green thumb 3rd generation farmer ready to begin the harvest. I am a second generation gardening and food enthusiast who married into a family of very similar qualities. My timing may not be perfect, my plant knowledge may be flawed, and I will most likely not be growing any state fair winning produce, but what the garden represents is where my heart truly lies.
I love food, and the act of growing my own is a great privilege and Blessing. Working the soil and seeing the fruits of labor is a Blessing in any situation, gardening or otherwise. Anybody who goes out every day and works hard to support their family understands this. I am not a giant fan of my day job but when I get home and see that my wife and two boys are provided for, I am Blessed. So the garden is almost more of a metaphor to me. I want my boys to see that hard work is a good thing, can be fun, and can produce positive results. Hard work can, of course, produce negative results as well, but that’s life. Like the Stones said, “you can’t always get what you want.”
My goal this year is to expand our tiny garden and get my two boys a little more involved. Hopefully this will result in perhaps some more home grown produce, but mostly in a little focus and responsibility for them. Again, the garden is more of a metaphor for me. If I came out with no results other than some horribly misshapen tomatoes but with the boys having seen the positive experience and time spent with each other, I’ll call it a success.
Bottom line. Get out there. It’s warming up, I promise. Play in the dirt and just enjoy the time we have with each other. And what kind of chef would I be if I didn’t say, now that the weather is coming around, start planning those events, and get a hold of us so we can help. Happy Spring, everyone.
