On the positive side, I picked our first Blue Lake bush beans this morning. Young and tender, enough for today's midday meal and tomorrow's too/ The next picking will probably go into the freezer.
Growingpains, thank you--your compassion is so comforting. We received good news today--the insurance is covering the barn and the workshop repairs. They can be repaired, not taken down! It's been a rough two weeks with the worry, trying to find someone who will give an estimate, and just trying to keep our chins up and our upper lips stiff. God help me, I've been looking at a seed catalog, thinking what to plant for the fall garden. Some folks (me) just don't have any sense at all!
Marlin, I believe that's the only way farmers can make it, by keeping a stiff upper lip. That's why so many small farms have gone to be replaced with huge conglomerates. (Correct word-I hope) We only grow food for our table and enough to share a bit, but I sometimes think, "Why do we bother?" It seems to be in my blood and I do enjoy working the soil and gathering our own food.
Growingpains, I think we bother because of the joy we get when seeing seedlings come up, bloom, and set produce. harvesting is fun, also! Sharing is also a great joy, and with gardening in our blood, we just can't help ourselves! The agrobusinesses, which farm thousands of acres, help feed the world. You and I just help feed a corner of the world with our shared vegetables. But those of us who can have gardens, and can share, sure are making our little corners of the world tastier!
I recently had a similar conversation with another community garden member. She is 80+ something. Still gardens. Her plot puts many of the other plots to shame. We were talking about how our soil is the life blood of the garden, really of the earth & it bugs the daylights out of us when people call it dirt! Dirt is what collects insert your fingernails! Etc. You get the picture. We were sharing the joys of gardening.
Cayuga, tell your 80 plus fellow gardener she has a fellow 80 plus gardener in Michigan. I would be bored senseless in Spring, Summer and Fall without gardens. Each season has it's bounty and I marvel at the ability of a seed to supply food for so many.
(Quote) seems that hard luck and trouble are my only friends (/quote) Because I had an allotment in the past I know the problems that can occur, mostly with the human kind. I have seen fire, theft, broken glass from greenhouses, not ours but others have suffered. Good luck with anything salvaged!! K
Kate, I enjoyed your song hint/comparison. When I notice produce prices rising, I think of the farmers and their plight. All we have to bemoan, so far, is the groundhog.
Thanks for your empathy, Hummer. I am not in a situation where I could easily use hydroponics. But when adversity strikes...I think of you and how well you have done with your hydro gardening. I am still in awe, mate.
I have thought hydroponic gardening might be a good way. However, I would have to build an enclosure and in a trailer park that might not be acceptable.
Kate-- We have experienced all those things too on our complex. Allotment gardening can be an idyll, but there are also is a darker side.
