It feels good to post a letter about gardening. Our last snowstorm was on April 18th, so spring has been a long time coming to northern Wisconsin. But now in May, the grass is green and there are a few buds on the trees and bushes. I am looking forward to planting and enjoying my gardens this year–especially my flower garden.
Dear Readers: The work in the garden is practically mine and the children’s. I consider it one of my greatest privileges and pleasures to be able to put in the garden and tend it.
From the time the children are old enough to understand, I take them to the garden with me, show them how the seed is put in the ground and later how the plant and fruit comes from it. By leaving a short strip full of weeds, I show them how it stunts the life of plants. From this, I tell them how bad habits can stunt their lives.
Not only do they learn about plants but while resting a bit we get acquainted with the birds who visit our garden for bugs and worms. From the birds we study the insects which do harm and those like the lady bug which are our friends.
Often, too, we work in the garden in the cool of the evening, that most peaceful time of the day. Here we watch a glorious sunset, or a storm coming up. This brings us to a realization of who is responsible for all these wonders and somehow out in the open, it seems easier to impress on little minds how all powerful our Heavenly Father is. That if it wasn’t for Him and His goodness we would have no gardens, no birds, no sunsets, no great big world to enjoy.
I think that gardening is indeed one of the greatest joys and teaching tools we have as mother/homemakers. I also tend the garden with just my children. I call it my eatable hobby. For up in the north it doesn’t produce as much as a garden would in a milder climate. It furnishes produce for the summer and a bit into the fall. Each year we plant some standard veggies and then also something we would like to try or experiment with. This year we experimented with growing strawberries in old gutters in the greenhouse up on the wall. No mice nibbling them up there. š It’s also great to learn about some of the “weeds” and how God has created them to also nourish. It may seem crazy but certain weeds we give space to in our garden. Garden have their own little eco systems to. With all the bugs and birds and critters that visit them. What a joy God has given us!
I love your garden lessons! Every single task in or around the home is such an amazing way to educate children. Those lessons equip them for some things, but then teach them to ask questions and learn even more. And let me just add that they’re far better lessons than some of the things I learned in public school!!
My friend taught me as an adult that all my household chores are opportunities to pray and give thanks. I pray for the health of my husband’s body while folding his clothes. His socks for strong feet and ankles and to carry good news, etc. I can even be grateful for a toilet bowl to clean because that means I have a home, indoor plumbing, etc. I’ll always be grateful for that lesson. It can sure change a snarly attitude, especially when I consider the alternative of using an outhouse in a Kansas January!!
Enjoy your flowers! Iām so grateful that gardening is year round in my zone 10. This lovely post nailed it when describing the delights of the garden.