First Sprouts of Basil in the Bottom
Every morning for the past two weeks, including this Earth Day, I’ve peeked out the window to see the garden that my daughter and I have planted in the backyard. This is my first attempt at growing vegetables and herbs; hopefully in the months to come, we will be eating tomatoes, jalapenos, basil, and thyme from the tiny plot of land.
The inspiration to start gardening has been overwhelming. I’ve always had warm memories of my grandparents’ garden as a child, when Frieda and I would spend the afternoons snapping beans in the backyard. But I’ve also been motivated by First Lady Michelle Obama and the deep cultural and historical implications of her decision to plant a vegetable garden at the White House (not to mention the health benefits).
I’ve sown something even more personal in this garden, too. Thanks to Carleen Brice’s lovely book, Orange Mint and Honey, I’ve also turned the soil into a “God Box.” The main character’s mother, Nona, describes the process in which you simply find a small space of earth:
“Write whatever comes to you, whatever you want to let go of… Rip up the paper and spread the pieces like mulch. When the paper breaks down, it makes the soil richer. Come spring, your problem will help the plants grow.” (36)
What a beautiful way to celebrate the growing season! What about you? Planting any meaningful “seeds” this year?
Posted by Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit) on April 22, 2009 at 1:07 PM
Gorgeous shot of the sprouts. Happy gardening.
Posted by Carleen on April 23, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Oh Claudia, that made me cry! Looking forward to pictures of your lovely garden. A tip: to attract polinators, plant a few flowers too–marigolds or something.
Posted by Claudia on April 23, 2009 at 11:31 AM
@Serena – Thanks! I took a million photos and this was one of the few that did look like a blurry green speck.
@Carleen – So glad you stopped by! And thanks for the advice, I need all the help I can get.
Posted by Dani on April 23, 2009 at 3:06 PM
I loved Orange Mint & Honey. Happy gardening!
Posted by Wilhelmina Jenkins on April 24, 2009 at 1:18 AM
My grandson and I have been gardening for the past 3 years. Our strawberries have bloomed and we have found a few tiny green strawberries among the leaves. We can hardly wait to taste them!
I gardened with my father when I was growing up. He was born in rural Virginia and learned from his grandfather. It’s such a joy to pas along the tradition to my grandson. Happy gardening!
Posted by Claudia on April 24, 2009 at 6:41 AM
Thanks, Mina. What part of rural VA? My grandfather’s family is from the Eastern Shore.
Posted by Wilhelmina Jenkins on April 25, 2009 at 1:16 AM
My father grew up outside of Victoria, VA – basically the middle of nowhere. But it is Virginia that I feel connected to. For me, there’s no place more beautiful.
Posted by carleen on April 29, 2009 at 8:18 PM
I love to hear stories of multigenerational gardening–passing it down from older to younger!
Posted by Produce! « The Bottom of Heaven on July 10, 2009 at 7:08 AM
[...] here in The Bottom, we are enjoying the first tomatoes from our backyard garden this week. And can you believe it, they actually taste like real tomatoes! The jalapenos have come [...]