First Flower then Fruit

Bean Flower

Gardening is an active learning process. Preparing the soil, planting seed, watering and fertilizing growing plants are just the basics.

But gardening is so much more than a step by step process. It teaches one patience...some plants seemingly take forever to sprout, mature, and flower and fruit. It teaches one to learn to live with disappointment...as all gardening efforts don't turn out as one hopes and desires they will. Gardening also reminds us that living things actually need very little to survive. Plants require fertile soil from which they gain nutrients, sunshine, and water...and little more. Particular plants have special needs, and, if they are to thrive, a gardener learns how best to accommodate them.

As it is with many things in life, a gardener learns best by trial and error, rolling up his or her sleeves and getting his or her hands dirty - definitely a hands on approach!

Green Pepper Flower

A garden also teaches one to appreciate simply beauty.

The bounty a healthy vegetable garden provides is the main goal, but the dainty flowers that precede the "fruit" are stunning in and of themselves. The tiny, white star-shaped flowers of the green pepper stand out brilliantly against the plant's glossy green foliage. The graceful, lavender-hued bean flowers that dot the bean patch are exquisite, too! It's exciting to see these delicate blooms open and herald the coming of the tasty, nutritious vegetables to follow.

Cucumber Flower

The bright yellow cucumber flower is one of my favorites...probably because the cucumber is the first vegetable I ever planted. The pretty, dainty flower stands out in such contrast to the gangly, viney leaves. As soon as the flower falls away from the plant, a cucumber "bud" starts to swell in its place. Within days, if the conditions are just right, a mature, full-grown cucumber will be ready to harvest. Those we've grown in our garden have been so juicy and sweet. Plus, there is just something so satisfying about growing your own...and enjoying the fruits of your labor.

Finally, gardening highlights the fact that the only thing in life that is constant is change. Each day in the garden is unique. To everything there is a season...and to every gardener...so many delights!