Seeds

Peas!

In December, I was given by Will a packet of Hollyhock seeds. I remember looking at the instructions and blanking out, or feeling something vaguely like anxiety. With a trusty Martha Stewart guide to reference, I boldly took on the task of making something out of the seeds, which looked like nautilus.

Hollyhocks!

Within days life was forming. To my unbelieving eyes, I watched stems appear and grow in inches within hours.

Success with these had offset a fearlessness for seeds, which I'd heard were quite difficult. Clearly, they weren't that difficult.

I love Foxglove. I bought three packets of three varieties. I began imagining a vegetable garden. I knew my grandfather had been extremely successful at growing tomatoes. I knew I could do this too.

For Valentine's day I came home to a table of dozens of vegetable seeds. Clearly I have a husband who listens (and really loves me!). This was great. Now, the daunting task of preparing a bed.

Laboriously we undertook the task of undoing some weed-ravaged plot that my grandfather grew his tomatoes. I had never understood the term "back-breaking" until I had a shovel in my hand and experienced the sort of angry violence that accompanies the need to destroy what is ugly. I whiped my brow. We had a lot to do.

While we waited for the freshly done plot to reveal whatever weed we had missed, I embarked on the task of raising vegetable seeds. I had leeks, cucumbers, tri-color carrots, cantaloupe, and strawberries to start. There were literally (and still) dozens more to begin.

And that is just the vegetables.