IN RECENT YEARS I have become reflective about many things. That is a natural part of aging, perhaps initiated by watching members of younger generations as they grow and develop.
My six young granddaughters, whose interests and temperaments are already distinctive, provide me with much grist for reflection.
It's also natural to wish that some youthful family members, or any youngsters with whom you are acquainted, will enjoy what you have enjoyed, whether it be sailing, running, dancing, playing a musical instrument or...growing things. As we know, adults do influence the choices and future paths of young people, especially through their mentoring and example.
But if you live long enough you will realize that exposing children to a variety of avenues (generally a good strategy) does not always result in their interest. Nor should we have an expectation that it always will-or if it doesn't, that it never will. As they say, God sometimes has other plans.
When my four children were growing up, we had a 40-by-40-foot plot of vegetables and a few fruit trees. I encouraged the little ones to plant a bit of this and that, pick tomatoes and dig potatoes. I remember young Andy one glorious summer morning surveying a corn plant wet with morning dew and exclaiming, "Look, Daddy, it's gwown, it's really gwown!" That memory still makes the whole family smile.
On another day I perhaps overdid my plant quizzing a little bit with Charlie. At age nine he had a sensitivity that allowed him to perceive my ill-concealed disappointment over his lack of gardening interest. He looked up at me and said without any edge, "Dad, I'm sorry that I am not good at this, but it's all just green stuff to me." Wow! What a humbling lesson in parenting that was!
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July - August 2023 من Horticulture.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July - August 2023 من Horticulture.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
GAGA FOR GALANTHUS
As easy as they are irresistible, snowdrops boast a devoted and growing following
NEW PLANTS
Multiseason Marvels
BLUEBERRIES & CO.
Members of the genus Vaccinium provide sweet flavor, health benefits and beauty in the garden
AN ECOLOGICAL AGREEMENT
How three great minds think alike
Take It Indoors
Cs the growing season dwindles, _ potted cittus became a summer souuenir
ROOTED IN PLACE
LAYERING IS A PROPAGATION TECHNIQUE THAT TAKES A WHILE TO COMPLETE, BUT IT DEMANDS LITTLE EFFORT FROM THE GARDENER
AT HOME WITH PLANTS
Business travel and pleasure trips helped inspire this Cincinnati garden
THE GARDEN GOES DARK
Yes, gardens have their dark side. But-surprise! A garden's darkness can be good, not sinister.
LOW-WATER WONDERS
EXPLORE ONE PLANTSMAN'S DROUGHT-TOLERANT FAVORITES FOR EACH LEVEL OF THE GARDEN
Succeed With Succession- The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right
The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right. Once a crop like spring turnips or snap peas has finished, I tidy up the bed, amend the soil with a thin layer of compost and replant. Depending on the new crop, I may be sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings.
