The Creative Gardener

Creativity is defined as the use of imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work. An artistic work is one that is creative, expressive, attractive, and / or pleasant to look at.

While writing, singing, dancing, and drawing are all creative endeavors in their own right, we must not overlook the creativity displayed by the gardener. Indeed, the act of organizing, planting, and caring for a garden is an undertaking that relies extensively on the imagination of the sower, and their ability to see a blooming and productive garden long before it comes to fruition. Thus, when heralding the accolades of the artistic populace, don't forget the gardeners!

A Sense of Pride

My paternal grandparents lived in what is referred to where I am from as a holler - an area or valley set back in the mountains. Those who wanted to call on my grandparents parked their vehicles down off the main highway and walked the winding, dirt road that led to the house. In some instances, they arranged ahead of time with my grandfather to ride up in one of his old jeeps.

Even though visitors were few, my grandparents invariably maintained their yard, ponds, and the land that surrounded their home, and in the warmer months, their gardens and berry patches were well-ordered and in bloom.

The lesson learned for me as a homesteader and gardener? Always be a good steward of your land and your resources, regardless of who is watching, and take pride in taking care of what you have.

My Grandfather.

Priorities

While traveling this week, I noticed several large signs proclaiming the fees to be paid by those caught littering the freeways and interstates they drive on, and for a moment, my childhood came into my rear-view. I remembered riding in the car with my parents and periodically throwing trash out the window in an effort to keep the car clean; nothing big mind you, usually a used tissue or an empty soda can. But, enough to hold me in contempt with the harmony nature had established.

Do signs and fines deter those with little regard for nature's beauty? Probably not. They do, however, serve as a reminder that preserving the land we live on is our responsibility.

Tortilla Blessings

The term "tortilla blessing" was coined many years ago by my son when he opened a package of tortillas to find one more tortilla inside than I'd paid for. Consequently, anytime I receive more than I expected, or attain something positive I didn't bargain for, I categorize it as a tortilla blessing.

In my garden, I've learned to enjoy tortilla blessings as they occur - an unexpected flower bloom on one of my plants; the gift of rain on a day that I don't feel like watering; a sale at the local nursery that allows me to buy extra plants; a second crop of onions that bloom after a failed first attempt. Simple happenings really, but blessings nonetheless.