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• 1 Jeff Wilson wrote:

  Stay Dirty, My Friend

  If there’s one thing I’m fanatical about, it’s gardening.

  As the Mrs. will attest to, when I don’t get enough time on the weekends to rummage around in the dirt, I get cranky.

  The garden has grown substantially over the years and at times have referred to it as my little farm.

  I have fond memories of my dad complaining my cherry tomatoes were bigger than his beefstakes – an interesting memory given that this year, my daughter’s lone tomato plant (a Snowberry cherry) did just that.

  I inherited my first garden from my sister when I took over her apartment in my last year of college and have never been without since. Starting with potted guys during a brief stint in apartment complex life when I first moved to Austin, I soon migrated into the ground once we finally transitioned to housewithyarddom.

  For years, I had a purple bean plant (or at least its descendants) from a bean I swiped on my honeymoon. I still have the chives from my first real garden in Austin so many years, so many homes, ago.

  I farm year-round, year after year. There’s always something that will grow in Austin no matter to the time of year.

  Like making compost, it keeps a balance in normal life. It’s relaxing and thought provoking. It’s at times exciting and refreshing. At other times, it’s static and frustrating.

  And as a dad now, there are few as easy ways to connect with the kids whether it be chasing butterflies and beetles, chomping a tomato fresh and warm from the vine or a wee bit of sweet herb, helping them help me with general maintenance, or just to have them nearby “decorating” the rocks with sidewalk chalk.

  Though never-ending, gardening isn’t a “task” like housecleaning but more akin to a marriage; something that is cultured, inspirational, and life long; something that grows and is past down along with its memories and stories; something that engages and grounds and teaches and sticks to your ribs.

  It may not be for everyone, but I sure like a little dirt under my nails from time to time.

  Well-loved. Like or Dislike: 3  0

  October 10, 2010 at 7:33 am Permalink