At the risk of sounding corny, I want to tell you about my garden, and how important it has been to me, in particular at this time of my life, which is midlife. Nurturing the plants and seeing the delicious yield helps me to get all the nutrients in that keep me health! Years back I was inspired to grow an organic vegetable garden. My husband is a wonderful gardener, but never wanted to do any crop but flowers. He helped me clear out a spot way in the back of our yard, put up deer fencing, and plan the beds long before we bought the plants or the seeds.

The act of gardening teaches us many lessons, such as the renewal after the winter and the birth and death of the growing season. The unique system of sun and soil and water in conjunction with the care given to the garden is a perfect example of miraculous transformation.

One thing that attracted me to a garden was growing butternut squash. During my first year the squash started out strong and beautiful, but then I could not keep up with the bugs that destroyed the vines. (Remember, no sprays could be used; I like organic.)

The very next year a butternut squash plant grew out of our compost pile, giving us a dozen large beautiful squashes. No bugs, no effort; it was like a surprise present. So far this year we have enjoyed several types of lettuce, arugula, edible pod peas, kale, parsley, basil for pesto, and string beans. Now the tomatoes are coming in. It is just delicious, and perfect to encourage good nutrition for this midlife body!

What is your favorite food of the harvest? If you could grow one vegetable yourself, what would it be?

To your good health,
Lorraine

This entry was posted by Lorraine Calhoun on August 6th, 2007 under Mid-Life with keywords .

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