Gardening and Eating: Two of Life’s Greatest Diversions!

Gardening and Eating: Two of Life’s Greatest Diversions!

by / 8 Comments / 326 View / June 28, 2008

Persian cucumbers, green onions and beets from Shirley Bovshow’s garden.

I’m not growing my own vegetables to save money, (though its a nice benefit). I’m not growing my own vegetables because I fear the quality of food available in the supermarket is substandard, ( though I realize not all of it is up to my healthful standards). I’m not growing my own vegetables to mitigate the impact of irresponsible agricultural practices on the land, ( though I am mindful of it and do my best to be a good steward of nature). I’m gardening and growing my own vegetables, fruits and herbs because it brings an order, purpose and joyful meaning to my life! Did I mention it was fun too?

Gardening and growing food for my family gives me something to do when I’m not occupied with personal and professional commitments. Gardening is my diversion of choice because it slows me down and engages my body, mind and spirit as I partner with nature to create beauty and fresh food. Just passing my vegetable garden and taking a whiff of the onions, curry, tomatoes, basil and cilantro fills my mind with all kinds of experimental recipe combinations. Cooking is even more enjoyable when I have a harvest-full of ingredients at my fingertips to choose from.

I created my  garden as an eaters paradise. Besides the dedicated raised kitchen garden, my whole yard is an edible landscape! Tucked into garden beds are potted fruit trees, edible hedges, delicious focal points and garden art.

I recognize that gardening and growing one’s own food can be an environmentally responsible lifestyle that people choose in order to counteract rampant consumerism. I admire these people. I’m not sure I would derive as much pleasure from gardening and growing my own food though if I had to do it out of economic necessity or to make a political point. I want my garden to be pure and simple, a sanctuary for my family and all who gather under the shade of my pepper tree to commune with nature and enjoy its delicious bounty.


8 Comment

  1. Hi Anna,
    I do like some order, but I like the natural look best. These beds are 8 months old so they will eventually fill in. I planted them for eventual growth so they will be touching shoulders soon. Hope to see you back!
    shirley

  2. Hi Eilish and Philip!

    Eilish-sorry I referred to you as a “male” last time. Yes, veggie gardening is practical and economical and a wonderful pasttime.. If you read my posts, you may have picked up on the fact that I appreciate things that are “double duty.” It’s great that you are introducing your son Colin to gardening. He will no doubt have a good memory associated with it and want to garden as an adult.

    Philip- welcome to EdenMakers! I checked out your blog and was facinated with all the beautiful photos and informative posts you write. You have a quality blog. The orange detail in the photo is recycled tumbled glass. I use it as a decorative mulch and top dressing on potted plants as well. I always use a weed cloth underneath to protect the glass from burying itself in the soil. Hope to see you back. I will be visiting you again. Are you a teacher of history?
    Shirley

  3. What is the orange material in your garden amongst the gravel? It has a great effect. I think you are an artist.
    Warm Regards,
    Philip

  4. I do veg garden to save money and get produce that might not be available otherwise (I never see Japanese cucumbers in the grocery store). Luckily, I’m also a person that enjoys it for its own sake as well. I love being out in my garden, especially in the mornings. Before the rest of the house is awake I can drink a cup of coffee and putter to my heart’s content.

    I am also learning the joys of sharing my garden with my three year old son, Colin. He is old enough now that he can help pick beans or rake leaves into the compost pile. (There was an unfortunate mix-up about the difference between weeds and lettuce, but it was a learning experience and we’ve moved on.) To conclude, I guess I’m just lucky that I enjoy such a practical and economical hobby!

  5. I love the spheres on stands!!!! especially on the bed of gravel with plants coming through. I love it. I reminds me of Derek Jarmans garden by the sea which I am crazy about.
    Best regards,
    Philip

  6. It is all so nicely balanced right down to the grapefruit growing on the trees! Your whole garden creates harmony and rest. I can see why you like being out there. After your hectic schedule, I can imagine you need a place of comfort and quiet. I have noticed that all of your gardening for yourself is orderly. I know you have created cottage style gardens but I think you prefer order and space between plants. It is very attractive.

  7. Hi Nancy. The potted tree is a dwarf Oro Blanco graoefruit and is it sweet! The ceramic bocce balls were created by my friend and artist, Cynthia Sellers. I have a lot of her original art tucked all over the garden.
    shirley

  8. Your reasons for growing your own are the right ones. 🙂 Everything looks wonderful — is that a potted lemon tree? The garden art balls are a great addition to that bed!

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