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Last year, I planted my first garden in many, many years. I let it grow a little wild, to see how it would develop with minimal intervention. I enjoyed it, but we had more foliage than vegetables, so I know I need to add something different to the soil this year (suggestions anyone?). We had a warm fall, and tomatoes ripening when we left on a week-long vacation. Upon return, the garden was blanketed by several inches of snow amidst a very hard freeze. It was wet and cold from then on, and I never really had a chance to put the garden “to bed.” I left it that way all winter.
This spring, I had to clean out all the dead stuff before I could plant anything new. As I was cleaning out the garden beds, I had time to think about what I was doing. I was removing the dead plants and leaves, putting them to the compost bin. In the compost bin, what once produced vegetables will decompose to become compost – to nourish other plants.
I thought of all the changes I’ve been bringing into my life recently. I’m letting go of the old to make room for the new. I’ve been planting a number of new seeds in my life this spring, taking classes and honing some new skills. Combined with my prior experience (compost), I’m in a position to go in new directions.
Okay, maybe I’m over-thinking gardening, but the season is unmistakable. It’s time to let go of the old, plant seeds, and draw new experiences into my life.
Peace With My Life 
Congratulations on a revived interest…gardening. You might ask your dad about some of your gardening questions. He is a Master Gardener. See if you can find a county extension agent office in your county. I don’t know what name it goes by in your state. Over the last five years, the name of it has changed three times in Texas. They will have an agent whose job it is to answer questions and provide information about growing plant life in your area. It is the best source for information because it is specific to the area in which you are gardening. They will have some information on the soil issues of your area as well as the climate issues. Colorado has some great farming areas so I am fairly certain you can find an agricultural agent in your county offices. Good luck with this. I am so pleased with your goal of new interests.
Mom
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Yeah, I’ve looked into the county resources already. I hope to enjoy the garden this year more than last.
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High nitrogen gives you lots of leaves, that’s the first number when you buy fertilizer. The other 2 numbers feed your flowers/fruit and your roots. The extension center would recommend you test your soil before you add anything so you know what to add and in what proportion. Also depends on what you are growing. Planting seeds means having faith in the future. Nice photos!
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Thank you. I’ll do a little research on the soil. I’m glad you like the photos; I took them all myself. I’m not gifted with terrific eye-hand coordination, so my creative outlet is to just push the camera button! I try to capture the world’s beauty that way, rather than a personal expression.
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That’s the best way to do it, the “you” comes through by what you choose to document. Every time you click the shutter, you are making a self portrait whether you mean to or not.
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Thanks. I like to think photography an art form, but my oldest and youngest daughters are so gifted artistically that I often feel left out of the art pool!
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