Articles by Jules Ivan Garay

Nana, Flower Thief

Nana, Flower Thief

Each Spring, I watched as my grandmother's flower garden erupted into a living rainbow of colors. For me, each blooming season represented the magic that emanated from my Nana's hands.  
My Grandmother Darlene’s Garden

My Grandmother Darlene’s Garden

My grandmother Darlene’s garden was wild. She was not one for a prim garden with sharp edges and straight lines. Her garden was a kaleidoscope of brilliant blues, deep purples,  
Legacy in Bloom

Legacy in Bloom

“The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life.” – Rabindranath Tagore  
Sunflower Jam in Amma’s Yard

Sunflower Jam in Amma’s Yard

The chipped enamel mug bumped funky music against my ear as I crouched by the dusty earth. Sunlight sliced through the mango tree like a laser beam, spotlighting the scene—me  
Our Soothing Fountain

Our Soothing Fountain

Have you ever felt that serene calmness while listening to the sound of a fountain? I had always dreamed of having one, but convincing my husband, Don, that it would  
The Curse of the Unyielding Radishes

The Curse of the Unyielding Radishes

I have a confession to make: I'm a compulsive gardener. People often praise my green thumb, insisting that I can coax life from even the most stubborn of seeds. "Valerie  
The Great Plant Swap Mishap

The Great Plant Swap Mishap

Every year, I attend a big plant swap in a neighboring town hosted by a group of gardeners I affectionately call "The Ladies." This dedicated group is known for their  
Gardening with a Twist

Gardening with a Twist

In a local community designed for the over-55 crowd, a hidden gem exists—a community garden where residents can continue to nurture their green thumbs even after downsizing. Within this vibrant