In this corner of our blog, we delve into the vibrant tapestry of gardening, exploring how it transcends the boundaries of mere hobby or sustenance, and instead, becomes an integral part of who we are.
For many of us, our forebears were hardworking farmers who toiled the land, and as time passed, we transformed into gardeners, keeping the age-old tradition alive. It’s a connection that has shaped our spirit and our soul for centuries, grounding us in the earth beneath our feet and the stories written in the soil.
The tales you’ll discover here are as diverse as the petals in a summer garden, yet they share a common thread: the belief that the gardening life is about so much more than just the practical aspects of planting, growing, and harvesting. It’s a vibrant, living art that intertwines with our lives, enriching the experiences of our families, friends, and neighbors. It’s a cultural touchstone that weaves its way into the very fabric of our society.
This section of our website features a collection of talented authors, each a member of our Food Gardening Network, and collectively, they bring you a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Their stories are not just educational; they are a source of inspiration and, above all, they are fun.
So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious novice, we invite you to explore the wisdom, creativity, and joy that emanate from our gardening life category. Join us as we dig deeper into the rich soil of our collective heritage, sowing seeds of knowledge, nurturing connections, and harvesting inspiration along the way. Welcome to a world where gardening is more than just a pastime; it’s a way of life.
“Gardening is not for the faint of heart, and never has been,” writes today’s author, H. Ni Aódagain. Probably like you, I completely align with that statement from the piece I’ve chosen for today, “To Garden or Not?” The story here is that the joy of gardening is buried in a lot of work, which […]
I love going on road trips across the country and checking out every plant shop I pass by. I have driven to Florida and picked up citrus trees at the big roadside orange stands nearly every time I’ve gone (and promptly murdered them–sorry orange trees!) I know I can’t plant them in the garden, but […]
Beneath the bark of trees, annual growth rings–also known as tree trunk rings—gracefully appear. They showcase alternating bands of light and dark hues; the plump and lighter circles displaying robust Springtime and Summer development, while thin darker ridges represent the slower Autumnal progression. Tree rings are the result of tree growth in response to various […]
Imagine buying a home and finding out that someone planted you a surprise garden! I find many sweet stories of mini gardeners when I page through our library of GreenPrints issues, but as the mom of a little sunflower-lover, this one touches my heart a little extra. In this story, “Secret Sunflowers” by Mary Anglin-Coulter, […]
Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits to grow. Even though I live in the Northeast, they’re one of the few perennial plants that survive over winter and one of the first to produce something edible in the spring. My 4-year-old daughter learned the color red, from strawberry-picking in our garden. We’d tell her “only […]
Today’s story appeared to me ironically enough after I took some heat for suggesting marigolds might deter rabbits (among other pests like aphids). My experience gardening comes from real life, trial, and error, and conversations with my gardening friends and groups. Like anyone, I hear a good tip, I try it, and if it works […]
I remember watching a film strip (yes, I’m old) in grade school that showed me how people wasted up to four gallons of water if they left the faucet on while brushing their teeth. That same filmstrip highlighted the environmental benefits of the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Since then, my environmental sustainability efforts happen in small steps, especially in the garden.
Do you grow your own corn? I’ve never had much luck. I’ve tried sweet corn and the jeweled popping varieties, but never have I been able to grow even one cob I could eat. I know I’m not alone in this, as most of my backyard gardening friends claim the same. The more corn you […]
If there’s one thing we should know about gardening, it’s that we have to have patience. Our hard work may take weeks, months, even years to produce the results we hope for. Which is why gardening mishaps can feel so devastating. All that time we spend hunched over the soil, spade in hand, creating the […]
I’ve never thought much about chicken coop safety, except for the safety of the chickens themselves, but have you ever locked yourself in a chicken coop? It’s not as easy or fun as it sounds, trust me! But if you find yourself in such a situation, there are ways to get out. First and foremost, […]
