by Faye Price

Created on: September 03, 2008

Spring brings a sense of new beginnings with it. Hope grows with each new blade of grass pushing forth through the lingering snow and with each new bud uncurling along bare tree branches. No matter what happened last year, spring brings new hope for a bountiful harvest.

After many years of having to satisfy myself with container gardens, I was finally able to stretch my wings and plant a full-sized garden. Two in fact. As I took a deep breath of freshly turned dirt, I was filled with excitement over the prospects of finally being able to reap my own fresh vegetables.

This year also marked an important milestone for our family - our first garden together. Eager hands helped to scatter seeds in the rows and cover them up with a layer of dirt. The rows did not always end up straight. And sometimes the soil was added back a little too heavily. But there was absolute joy in working with our hands felt by all. Besides, you cannot expect two preschoolers to be perfect!

My husband and I were blessed with the opportunity to experience the growing garden through the eyes of our two young sons. The first sighting of tender young plants poking through the dirt was cause for much celebration. Regular trips were made out to the garden to see what new food was growing. They quickly turned into weekly, and then daily, treasure hunts as vegetables began to grow. The boys scurried from plant to plant in search of cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and whatever else they could find. Snack time happened in the middle of the pea patch as fresh peas were popped into eager mouths. The pumpkins and watermelons were monitored on a daily basis to see how big they were getting. As the onions, beets, and potatoes were pulled from the ground, amazement filled young faces. Yes, we really did grow that food.

Sadly, the gardening season came to a close. Our harvest was not as bountiful as we hoped. The bugs dined on more potatoes than we did. The corn cobs were just big enough for a chipmunk. And the peas, cucumbers, and carrots only provided enough food for snacks. But the sheer enjoyment of watching our sons' excitement for growing food made up for it all tenfold.

So, I look forward to pouring over the seed catalogues with the boys as the winter winds howl outside. Maybe next year we will harvest a bumper crop. For now though, I will be content in the knowledge that we have planted the seeds for a love of gardening in our two young sons.

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