Once again, summer is here and gone. This summer was full of heat, everywhere. Whether you were in Boston, like me, or in Roma like Gina and Ele, you felt the HEAT. Thank goodness for iced coffee, gelato, and fresh produce. Fresh produce? Yes, I snuck that in there. The Summer of 2024 will go on record as my first strong attempt at gardening. Not flowers, although my landlord does a great job of that, but fruits and veggies. It was a true learning experience, to say the least.
Gardening is a pastime full of blood, sweat, and tears. I have sporadically done a bit here and there but never really was great on the follow through. Need an excuse? I have plenty. But not this summer. This summer, along with the guidance of my landlord, proved to be, eh, fruitful on multiple levels. The garden is a great classroom of life. While the teachable moments are still happening everyday, I give you the Life Lessons Learned from Summer Gardening, thus far.
Be on Time
Timing is everything. Understanding when to plant certain seeds, when to water them and when to pick them is key to tending to your garden. Now some of this was researched but much of it was learned; on the job training if you will. Life is about showing up, but it also helps to be on time. It’s a respect thing.
Be Patient
Gardening is a slow process that requires patience…a lot of patience. Don’t expect your plants to grow overnight. It is important to be willing to wait for the rewards of your labor. Isn’t that a refreshing way to look at the world in an era of instant gratification. When things get tough (and they will), don’t give up on your plants. Keep nurturing them. They need you as much as you need them.
Be Attentive
My morning ritual now revolves around my garden. After the morning grog lifts, I take my cup of coffee and stroll the gardens. I’m not the best at pruning, but tending to the overgrowth and dead leaves is important. Just as important is to pay attention to the ripeness of your bounty. Pick them too soon, underripe… pick them too late, overripe. I have found that even in my 5-10 minutes drinking my coffee amongst my fruits and veg I have come to better understand their personality and what they need.
Be Humble
Accept that mistakes are a part of the learning process. Don’t be discouraged if some of your plants don’t make it. Instead of allowing these hiccups to deter you, view them as opportunities for growth and experimentation. These cucumbers were NOT good. I need to do a bit more research on the type of cucumber I am planting. That is all we can do: learn from your mistakes and try again (in this case, next year).
Be Giving
During the seasons where you are timely, patient, attentive, and humble, you may find yourself in abundance. What a beautiful place to find oneself. And when you do arrive in abundance, because you will, be giving. Share your extra produce with friends, family, and neighbors or donate your excess fruits and veggies to local food banks or shelters. Pay it forward. Always.
I have already started scheming for next summer; plant the eggplant sooner, give the butternut squash their own plots as they take over every inch they are given, figure out a better cucumber to grow, and don’t let the summer squash grow too big – it becomes rough. Gardening is such a great reminder of our place in the world and in the universe. If you think that you are going to be in complete control of Mother Nature, you are sorely mistaken. She is a remarkable teacher in life and one must always defer to Her. Garden on!
