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| View of a pathway, here in Vermont. |
On sunny cool days, we have been outdoors trying to fix up the grounds. The long winter season has left the property a mess of debris, leftover leaves, tree branches, and sticks. I get bundled up in my winter coat and boots to go outside and help with the work. We are trying to make things look pretty.
One afternoon a great deal of helpers arrived, much to our delight. Grandchildren came and scoured the grounds picking up sticks, rocks, and tree branches. The mess was all loaded into a garden wagon and large garden sacks to haul out to the back grounds. After a few hours, the entire land suddenly looked lovely, as the sun shone onto the landscape.
The spring weather is bringing everything back to life. The trees are budding, bright green leaves from flower plants are growing, and the grass is becoming a lush carpet over the property.
I found some strawberry plants growing in odd places, where they had spread out. Grandchildren came over and helped me dig them up and replant them in the middle of my strawberry patch. This little spot has a delicate little fence all around. (The tiny fence was acquired 13 years ago from a corner drug store.) This year, we have an abundance of little plants without much room to grow. Our garden spot must be expanded. A cheap new fencing is needed.
Several years ago, I brought home blueberry bushes and an apple tree. Slowly, we keep building up the grounds to produce a harvest of wonderful food for the needs of our household. This year, we realized we must have a second apple tree. The first one will not produce fruit without another one as a pollinator. We have put off this expense far too long. But it will take time to save up for another one. Even coming up with $40 for a fruit tree can be a burdensome expense.
Each day, we continue to work the land. Old leaves have been raked up around trees and flower plants throughout the property. We are making everything look beautiful.
Yesterday, I walked the grounds, stopping to look at the progress of every one of our garden plants, trees, and flowers. I stopped beside the rushing river and breathed in the fresh air and the quiet sense of nature.
Thirteen years ago, when (my parents) Great-Grandmother and Great-Grandfather still lived here with us, I didn't know how to garden. I observed them as they worked on such things. I played around with gardening, but they always came to my aid with weeding, watering, and tender care when I didn't know what to do. One year I was so overwhelmed with the abundance of a cucumber crop that I couldn't figure out how to keep up. In the stress of the season, and my lack of understanding, I faltered and quit. It was too much at the time. I didn't give myself enough grace to wait it out and to learn from my gardening mistakes. Now that my parents have both gone home to Heaven, I understand that it takes years of trying (and failing) to do it myself before I can make progress and gain these old-time skills. Much of their teaching has become so much clearer to me now. Their wisdom often comes to my mind as I solve gardening problems and as I keep trying year after year.
Mother and Dad always kept our home and property looking loved, well kept, and cared for. They made it look easy. It was simply a natural part of their lives. In all of their work, tending to daily duties and chores, with cheerful hearts and kind service, they made living life look pretty.
As I continue to walk the grounds each day, I want to keep up that same work. With the help of my grandchildren, we are tending the grounds each time they visit. As they help me indoors and out, slow-paced and joyful, they are learning necessary skills. We are doing our very best to provide our family and guests with a sanctuary of provision and place of rest from a difficult world.
Blessings
Mrs. White
From the Archives -
Simple Living on a Walton's Budget - Old Time Homemaking.
Family Life - The Secret to a Happy Home.
Contentment from the Old Days - Standard of Living.
Daily life with 4 generations in the house - In Pursuit of Christian Duty.
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12 comments:
You may be able to propagate another apple tree. It would be worth doing some me research to find out how.
How marvelous to have help from your grandchildren, Mrs. White! As you said, they are learning real-life skills and the importance of caring for others at the same time. Could there be a better lesson? I do wish I could have a garden where we live, but since we are in a heavily forested area, that isn't possible. Hope you can have a fabulous garden this year. Blessings!
Gardening is indeed a lot of work but SO worth it! It is also a constantly learning endeavor. I've been gardening for 51 years and I still learn new things. I am very fortunate to have the land and ability to raise our own food. But even if I lived in town I would have a small garden, and if I lived in an apartment with at least a deck I would raise something in containers or be part of a community gardening plot. I remember talking to a young man from Chicago. He lived right in town in a three story walk up apartment with a flat roof. He told me about his rooftop garden where he grew things in containers and hauled water up there every day. He also prayed a lot for rain! Nice that you can get help from grandchildren. Things get harder to do when one gets older.
I have been anxiously awaiting your newsletter. Recently I came upon your blog. Next I purchased several of your books that have been such a blessing. An Old Fashioned Budget has been underlined and highlighted throughout. Gracious House Keeping has changed my view of rushing through my tasks. What I love about life is always learning and sharing the same with my granddaughter. She has a heart for home and family. The Lord will bless her with a loving husband when the time is right.
Mrs. White, you have the gift of beautiful words that paint such a lovely picture. Reading your post just makes me feel like I am walking with you and your are telling me these things personally. I'm reminded so much of my own bringing up and family with your delightful and beautiful stories. Thank you. Sending blessings. Wanda
Dear Mrs. White,
What a blessing you are to your children and grandchildren. We have all but forgotten the blessings of working together and learning from older generations.
A garden can truly be a blessing to a family. The key is certainly not to quit. Even growing some herbs can help the family budget AND provide much healthier herbs with which to enhance meals.
May God bless you richly as you continue to minister to your family.
Always a pleasure to read about your life. Appreciate your sharing.
Cucumbers, like zucchini, are the generous crops that keep on giving! I think a fruit tree, like an apple tree, are excellent ideas. If you look at the website, arborday.org and click on shop and on any of their apple trees, in the description, they will tell you what variety of apple tree you need to plant along with the one you might have, in order to get fruit ( to pollinate). For example, a red delicious apple tree needs one of either: yellow delicious, early harvest or red Jonathon. I have a fig tree (doesn't need a pollinator partner tree) and I must've gotten 200 or more figs last summer. andrea
Thanks for the reminder that sometimes we have to build a little at a time. I tend to want everything done right now. Thank you for all that you share. I have learned so much from your writing and videos. Blessings.
Mrs.White, do you have an address or Po box ?
I'd be honored to send you the
cost of an apple tree.
I read your blog all the time.
I enjoy it immensely.
It is a bit of serenity in chaotic world.
It is on the top right where it says blog information. Click on that and you will find the P.O. Box.
So glad you have been given such a lovely home and land! A Blessing from the Lord for sure! Every year you can keep planting and see what thrives in your area! So wonderful to have the family's help! Many hands make light work... Hugs Roxy Happy Spring
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