COLUMN: Ramblings: Gardening – a habit I can’t give up

Ah, June! That lazy month when summer officially begins. A poem by the Hoosier James Whitcomb Riley comes to mind. My Mother loved his work and could recite them in the Hoosier dialect that he used to write them. One of my favorites is “Knee-Deep in June.” I remember part of it and will share it with you:

Tell you what I like the best –
‘Long about knee-deep in June,
‘Bout the time strawberries melts
On the vine, some afternoon
Like to jes’ git out and rest,
And not work at nothin’ else!
Orchard’s where I’d rather be –
Needn’t fence it in fer me! –
Jes’ the whole sky overhead,
And the whole airth underneath –

Summer began early this year, or so it seemed to me. Perfect time to walk in the forest or stroll through a wild meadow. The warm temperatures encouraged the deep forest dwellers to burst forth with a spectacular display this year. My forest floor was a riot of color. Most of the ephemerals have bloomed. The plants are storing energy for next spring’s display. The ferns and moss are lush now. The leaf canopy protects them from the summer sun.

There is no scent like a field of grass warmed by the summer sun. I have always dreamed of having a meadow I could let go wild. I envision the green grass sharing space with daisies, tall blue bell flowers, golden ragweed, Queen Anne’s Lace and various wildflowers through the summer months. Summer temperatures arrived early this year. Many plants seemed to bloom out of the regular spring/summer sequence. I have noticed many fields covered in a dazzling array of yellow blossoms this week. The ox-eye daisy adds a bright spot along the roads.

The rain came with warm temperatures. It’s been too wet to plow, as the old folks say. I am about two weeks late getting my “garden” in the ground. I use the word garden, but my meager planting doesn’t really qualify for that title. The only thing I have in the dirt so far is some pansy plants and one pot of herbs. I have a small, raised bed in the Community Garden this year. Unfortunately, every day I planned to plant, it rained. I learned a long time ago not to try to work Owen County clay when it is wet. Unless you want to make a brick.

As I write, it is still late May, so I have time to plant. Anticipation drives me on. A big vine ripe, red, juicy tomato – I can almost taste it. I could buy a home-grown tomato at the farmers’ market, but there is satisfaction that comes from growing your own food. It is a habit I can’t give up. I will buy corn, green beans and other veggies that need a lot of room to grow at the farmers’ market. If you haven’t visited our farmers’ market, please come for a visit any Saturday morning. There are many vendors selling a wide variety of things. There is also local talent providing entertainment, kids selling lemonade and delicious baked goods.

It is June, remember to enjoy the sky overhead and the whole earth under your feet.

‘til next time,

Annie