My Grandpa’s Garden

While I was growing up, I was taught to garden by two great men: my Dad and my Grandpa. I learned to work hard and to get my hands dirty in the soil as we planted a garden and nurtured the plants so we could benefit from the bounty they provided.

One thing that my Grandpa always planted was flowers. There were always flowers to cut and make into bouquets to bring into the house and enjoy. He grew Sunflowers, Zinnias, Gladiolas, Peonies and Roses. He also grew lots of Marigolds. Of course, since I have grown up, I now know that those were for pest control in the vegetable garden more than anything. But I enjoyed them growing up and my own garden must have flowers.

This season of my life now finds me moving back home. We are moving into my Grandpa’s house and along with the memories; there is a lot of renovation going on. In fact, I was just there yesterday and since I am still recovering from my accident, I watched two great men, my Dad and my Husband, work together to tear out the old kitchen to prepare it for the new one. (There were some fun things that were found there that I will share with you later this week.)

Despite the changes, one thing has remained a constant: my Grandpa’s garden. We were standing outside the house a couple of weeks ago and were discussing that we needed to put a garden in the garden spot. Wouldn’t you know, just about that time, a man came by on a tractor with a spade and we flagged him down. He tilled the garden area for us for a phenomenal price and we were ready to plant. I love small towns!

So now I have a garden planted at my new/old home, and it has been said by more than one person that everyone will think my Grandpa is back. We planted it very similar to the same way he taught me as a youth and we have flowers planted in the same spots. I am sure that as we rejuvenate the old garden spot and the yard, that Grandpa will smile down from Heaven. I will share pictures as we make progress all along the way.

To the three men who have taught me how to garden…My Grandpa, My Dad and My Husband…Happy Father’s Day! Thank you for teaching me how to enjoy the garden and to work hard. I love you all!

What are some of your gardening memories while growing up? Leave me a comment and share!