Beginnings

Spring is a time of new beginnings.  This is the first spring in our new house, which means this is my family's first garden here.  We don't know much about gardening, but I think the process of digging in the dirt and watching plants blossom and produce fruit is a good thing.

We don't have any experience with this soil.  Weeds grow well, but we cleared them.


We added some compost, peat moss, and manure.  It seemed like the right thing to do.


It was somewhat late to be planting around here, but we planted some seeds anyway.


Mostly we planted pots of plants--herbs, vegetables, fruit, and even a flower or two.


We planted everything on April 24.  Since then, we've watered and weeded and weeded some more.  Some plants have thrived, while others...well, they are still alive.  We've picked a few strawberries and a few peppers, but otherwise we're still waiting.  Hopefully, we will have an abundant harvest over the next few months.  But what if we don't?  What if the plants die or fail to produce?  What if the corn is underdeveloped and the melons bitter?  Will all our work be in vain?  I don't think so.  We will have learned something, and all the hours we spent working together as a family were a blessing, even if we don't have much to show for it.

It is in the same spirit that I begin to blog.  I've kicked around the idea for some time, but I think I was afraid.  I'm not sure anyone will read it, and even if they do, they may not like it.   I finally realized, though, that even if no one reads it or likes it, I will be blessed.  I love photography, and I love to write.  Both activities bring me joy, motivation, and a sense of satisfaction.  That is why I am going to try this--for me.  If others are blessed, that's great.  But this is for me.

Here's to gardens and blogs and beginnings!