Gardening Slow But Sure

Or something like that.  Julie’s garden is progressing a smigden more slowly than she anticipated, but remember, she is a busy mom with two kids which means extra time is a scarce commodity in her life.  But where she lacks in time she makes up for in enthusiasm.  Just look at her go!  (She’s amazing, isn’t she?)  And don’t ask where her husband and children are–she’s a “can do” woman with a “can do” spirit.  She can take care of business herself.  Work, sports games, honey-do chores…  They all just get in the way of new garden ventures.  And someone needed to take the picture.

So she managed this step on her own (and you can too!).  Not only will she reap the benefits of healthy produce, she’ll reap the benefits of healthy exercise. 

The space has been dug!  Isn’t it beautiful?  What a lovely start.  (Remember:  lots of encouragement.  We don’t want to lose her when she’s made it this far!) 

She’s decided on an in ground garden as opposed to the raised planter bed being used for Ashley.   Now that she’s done the hard work, she can relax and engage in seed selection, though I have an idea she knows exactly what she wants to grow.  Had plenty of time to think about it during all that digging.

Can’t wait to check back next week and see how far she’s come!  Meanwhile, Ashley has sprouts!

Wow.  What an exciting time.  Almost as exciting as giving birth.  Okay, that’s an exaggeration.  It’s not even close in the “work” department and not nearly as painful.  Trust me.  This gardening thing is a breeze.  And so rewarding.  Look at all those sweet succulent lettuce sprouts!  Aren’t they adorable?

One note to gardeners living on lakes, streams or ponds.  Watch your step.  While photographing these little lovelies, a snake slithered underfoot–I jumped–it fled and all returned to normal.  Save for my beating heart and my daughter’s following drill,  “What happened?”

“Almost stepped on a snake.”

“Snake!  What?  Where is it?  Is it still there!?”

“I assure you, that black racer is nowhere near me at the moment,” I mumbled.

“Are you sure?” 

It is my job as her mother to reassure her, so I gave her the usual line we give under these circumstances, “He’s more afraid of me than I (you) am of him.  Don’t worry.  He’s long gone.”  In fact, with two bositerous boys living on this property, I’m surprised he had the guts to show himself at all!

“Are you sure?”

Finished with my photos, I decided it was easier to “end session” at this point.  “Yes, baby doll.  I’m sure.  Now let’s get going, we have places to go, people to see!”

I neglected to tell her there could be more, it could have been a water moccasin–but then again, it could have been a lot of things.  But remember, gardening is an adventure!  We run into all kinds of wildlife when working in nature.