My nana had a green thumb

The Art of Gardening

Gardening, as my nana practiced it, was not just a hobby but an art form. It required a deep understanding of the soil, climate, and the needs of each plant. My nana had an intuitive sense of what each plant needed, whether it was more sunlight, shade, or a particular type of soil. She often said that plants communicated with her, telling her what they needed to thrive. This connection was evident in the way her garden flourished, bursting with life and vibrancy.

One of the first lessons Nana taught me was the importance of soil health. “The soil is the foundation of any garden,” she would say. Healthy soil is rich in nutrients and teeming with life, which in turn fosters robust plant growth. Nana had a special compost heap where she would turn kitchen scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich soil. This practice not only reduced waste but also ensured that her garden had the best possible start.

Watering was another critical aspect of gardening that Nana mastered. She knew exactly when and how much to water her plants, always emphasizing the importance of consistency. Over-watering or under-watering could lead to disastrous results, so she taught me to pay close attention to the soil’s moisture levels and the specific needs of different plants. “Listen to your plants,” she would say, “and they’ll tell you what they need.”

The Joy of Growing Your Own Food

One of Nana’s greatest joys was growing her own food. Her vegetable garden was a marvel, filled with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and leafy greens. She believed that there was nothing more satisfying than picking fresh produce from her garden and serving it at the dinner table. The taste of homegrown vegetables was unparalleled, full of flavor and vitality that store-bought produce could never match.

Growing food also taught me valuable lessons about the seasons and the cycles of nature. Nana showed me how to plant according to the seasons, ensuring that each crop had the best chance to thrive. There was a rhythm to gardening that mirrored the rhythm of life itself, with periods of dormancy, growth, and harvest. Understanding these cycles helped me appreciate the patience and perseverance required to nurture life from seed to fruit.