The Garden

“When the world wearies and society fails to satisfy, there is always the garden.” – Minnie Aumonier

From my heart to yours…

🍅 Living a vegan lifestyle and all of its pleasures has inspired me to grow my own food, in my own backyard.

Every spring, I plant a food garden (some flowers, too) that feeds my family from July to October (sometimes longer, depending on the Colorado weather). If I store and freeze my harvest, some of it will last until February. I am still learning, but it has been a great experience and something I will continue to do as long as I am physically able.

one bumblebee on a marigold — bumblebee on a marigold

kale and chard growing in a garden bed — kale and chard

marigolds in a garden bed next to a green basket of strawberries, kale, and green beans — marigolds and a light harvest

I’ve planted tomatoes, green beans, peas, peppers, summer and winter squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, cucumbers, pumpkin, carrots, parsnips, onions, potatoes, kale, chard, a variety of lettuce and leafy greens, annual and perennial flowers, and all kinds of herbs.

large watermelon growing in a garden bed — watermelon

three green peppers growing in a garden bed — peppers

green beans in a basket — green bean harvest

two pumpkins growing in a garden bed — pumpkin

Every year, I look forward to planting bright yellow and orange sunflowers. They inspire me to live vibrantly, and as the symbol of veganism, they remind me of why I live vegan and how much my health and lifestyle have improved over the years.

potatoes, tomatoes, cucumber, and basil pulled from the garden — September harvest

giant yellow sunflower in a vegetable garden — giant sunflower

wisteria vine growing on deck — Wisteria vine

Gardening has grounded me (pun intended). I’ve learned a deeper appreciation for my home on my small plot of land on this planet. I’ve learned that no matter what life throws at me, my garden is always there to welcome me, sustain me, nourish me, or comfort me. It reminds me of how incredibly beautiful (and fragile) nature is and how I must do my part in protecting it. The meal creations as a result of this yearly gardening endeavor are especially tasty and appreciated.