My grandpa, whom we call Big G, got me into gardening at a young age. He used to grow fruits, flowers, and vegetables in pots and plots that would take up our entire backyard. Once I was old enough to assist him, he took me under his wing as his gardening apprentice. He was a seasoned gardener who had grown every plant you could imagine, and in his years had gotten pretty good at what he did. We would start the season by growing our plants from seeds in the basement. After a few weeks they began to germinate and sprout, and we let them grow until it was time to bring them outside. I would help Big G move the plants to our plots and raised beds so that they had more room to grow, and eventually produce fruits and vegetables that we were able to enjoy with our family and neighbors. Although Big G called the shots in our garden, my whole family would always take part and enjoy gardening together.
This was a critical part of my childhood that had a significant impact on my character and relationship with Big G. He taught me a lot of life lessons through the process of gardening, including patience, the importance of dedication and motivation, and the need to put others before yourself—to name a few. I have carried these lessons, and many more, with me throughout my time gardening over the years, as well in my life outside of gardening. Big G consistently taught me lessons that would be practical and applicable across different facets of my life. Two years ago, shortly after we had our garden, my grandfather passed. It was a difficult thing to process and move past for me, but I tried to stay positive.
As I write this, I am currently getting ready to have my own garden this year—the second garden I will have without Big G running the show. Losing him has had an impact on how my garden will look this year, but that won’t take away from its success. As I said, my grandpa taught me many lessons about gardening (and life) that I still hold close to me. Even though he isn’t here with us anymore, his impact and lessons are, and one of the ways they continue to survive is through me and the garden. As we move into a new growing season, gardening takes on a new meaning for me. Gardening is now a way for my family to honor my grandfather’s memory through continuing the activity that he introduced me to at such a young age and that has had such a large impact on me throughout my life, and throughout all of our lives.
Gardening is an activity that brings you closer to your loved ones through a process of patience and growth and should be a part of every household. It allows parents and children alike to participate in something greater than themselves, and something that they will be able to enjoy with each other year after year. The many months it takes to successfully start a garden from scratch can be something that every family can experience and work on together. I recommend that all families start up a garden of their own! The benefits it can provide to the family unit, especially for the children, are immeasurable in value. Gardening also allows families to grow closer to God. By taking part in cultivating new life, gardening allows families to cooperate actively in God’s creation with one another. Take it from me, as a child who has reaped the rewards of gardening with my family for my whole life. Be the Big G in your family and start your garden!
- The second annual Mary Garden Contest is sponsored by the Museum of Family Prayer. Photo entries are due by July 16, 2022. Prizes will be awarded. Helpful information and inspiration will be added to the contest webpage throughout the contest.