We left the first class feeling a bit overwhelmed, and knowing that we might be in over our heads. This isn’t just my project, though. I’m joined by my mother and daughter. Three generations of women digging, planting, and learning together. Our combined wisdom wasn’t great, but our sense of humor kept us going. Shared determination made every triumph and setback feel deeply rooted in family.
Our plan on paper was beautiful. Color coded and everything. We didn’t think being an inch or two off would matter but when the real measuring started inches were feet and we would have had twice the size garden planned. Thank goodness for Buddy who came to till our garden he reigned in our measurements and made a realistic garden space. We were excited to amend the soil…after a lot of amending we planted Snow Peas, carrots and beets Oh My! We were so excited to see the first green sprouts spring forth. When it came time to thin them, we didn’t have too. You could almost see the vegetables disappearing. Then one day we discovered the families of groundhogs were treating our garden like a 24/7 salad bar. Lettuce and radishes gone everything nibbled on.
Yes, there were days we almost quit. But with encouragement from our Build It Up leaders we decided we had to start all over. Some neighbors stepped forwarded and helped with a chicken wire fence to reclaim our beds from the groundhogs. When we harvested our first Snow Peas, the burst of sweetness erased the weeks of frustration.
Every bite of our homegrown salads reminded us that perseverance pays off, not just in gardens but in life. We are still beginners, but with three generations working side by side and our fence standing firm, we are proud to say none of us gave up, and neither did our plants. If you’re on the fence…start small, embrace the mistakes (and the groundhogs), and keep going. You might just surprise yourself…and create some new family traditions. We are glad we kept going.
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