Garden Dreams

When I was young my dad had a garden and a green thumb like no other. Everything grew and seemed to be so healthy and big. I remember his wildflowers looming over me and being amazed at their height. It was like being in a jungle on a never ending adventure. I loved his garden.

But, as we all must, I grew up. I moved away from my childhood home and found myself on a new adventure. Marriage, raising a child and working, interspersed with lots of travel. I forgot about my dad’s garden and how it made me feel, the beauty of it all. I forgot what it felt like to sneak out there and eat fresh peas from the pod and then deny knowing who did it! My path led me away from those small town memories, from the sweet and simple life of my childhood.

Time does march on and the roads I’ve traveled eventually led me to Michigan and the very first home I’ve ever owned. It sits on just over an acre of land and this Spring I found myself looking out the window and thinking about that long ago garden. I wondered if my dad passed his green thumb and passion on to me. The answer is, “it’s a work in progress”.

It’s hard creating and working a garden! Thoughts of how easy it seemed while I watched my dad plant his rows of seeds often flicker through my mind as I work the earth. Sweat trickles down my face and into my eyes. My 54.5’ X 13.5’ garden plot seems like a slight error in judgment and I realize that smaller might have been better for my first try. I am committed to this project and so I continue to work and imagine what it can be. The earth is a combination of dark rich soil and sand. Mixed in are roots and vines. I watch the birds drop in and snap up grubs and I am hopeful and overwhelmed in equal parts. I keep on though because I want to feel that sense of enchantment from all those long years ago when I would stand amongst the towering plants.

Taking on something new can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Some times those challenges bring about a laugh or cry moment...or three. I very much believe in laughter. So, let me introduce you to my right hand man, Felix Fiskars, the ultimate pruner. He’s rugged, strong, capable and reliable. He’s a dream for any first time gardener. He’s not sleek or pretty like his cousins the Fashion Scissors or Fabric Shears, but he never let’s me down. Rain or shine he gets the job done and he’s helping me turn my blank canvas into a great masterpiece. Mr. Fiskars has been there every step of the way. Side by side, hour after hour, he just keeps going. Let’s cut to the chase, he’s sharp, very sharp. You can’t call him dull by any means and while the dust may settle on him, rust never does. So thank you Felix Fiskars for being a gal’s best friend. For never letting her down and for helping her to create a natural work of art! Living art, with the color palette changing daily. In the Fall when the canvas is wiped clean and the ground is allowed to rest before next year’s adventure I will dream up a new landscape. Felix and I will await Spring with great anticipation, both for the satisfaction of seeing what hard work can accomplish and for what the new season will bring.

I believe we need reminders that there is beauty everywhere, from patchwork quilts to patchwork gardens. You just have to look, to imagine and create. Find your joy and get busy! Life is meant to be lived to the fullest and the blisters on your hands from a hundred shovels of dirt speak as loudly to your passion as the paper cuts and pin pricks on your fingers. Creativity and art come in all forms. When I look out at my garden I see the potential for what can be. I feel inspired to continue working this canvas. More than anything I feel the warmth of remembrance for my childhood and for my adventures through the wildflower jungle. I close my eyes and let the memories sweep me away and I am content.