Mary, Mary, quite contrary...

Garden bed bursting with goodness

Mary, Mary, quite contrary,

How does your garden grow?

With silver bells, and cockle shells,

And pretty maids all in a row.

I used to think that gardening was a complete waste of time and something old people did to pass their retirement days away. I personally thought that they were insane and their time could be spent elsewhere enjoying a sandy beach in Florida....that is what "old" retired people do, right?? They head South to enjoy the fruits of their labor? 

Cucumber Bloom

It wasn't until I got "old" that I had a desire to start my own garden. For starters, anyone that eats or cooks a lot of vegetables knows that the prices are ridiculously high and you get very little in regards to the quality and quantity. Secondly, to buy Organic vegetables you are paying 2x as much but I really don't like buying vegetables that have been soaked in pesticides or other potentially harmful substances. Call me crazy but it's something that I have really been paying attention to lately and I try to buy all natural when it comes to certain food groups. We do enough damage to our bodies without me feeding my family food that's really not that good for them.


I have found that gardening is something I really enjoy and it makes me feel productive. Not that I am not an unproductive person but when you become a housewife you feel different in that department. With a job you always see the final outcome of your hard work and when raising a family and taking care of the house it always seems "unfinished" or incomplete. With a garden it gives me a sense of pride because I have accomplished something. I started off with tiny seeds in packets, planted them, water them daily and now they are growing. Eventually they will grow into vegetables that I can feed my family and friends with; that to me is amazing and fulfilling.

Plenty of beanstalks for "Jack"

Gardening is also very therapeutic for the soul and I highly recommend it to anyone who has the extra space for a garden bed and needs a little tranquility in their life. I find it very relaxing to go out to the garden every evening to water my plants, pick the grass out of the beds and take a little time to myself. I may only be out there 5 or 10 minutes but it's still a breath of fresh air and I can let my brain rest for a second. I actually think the soil smells refreshing and who doesn't like to be surrounded by nature? 


I guess I am really showing my age but I have a new found appreciation for gardening and it brings me happiness! I won't call myself "old" until I start heading further South for the winter!! At least that is what I am going to keep telling myself to make me feel better :)

"Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity."

  ~Lindley Karstens