It’s been three weeks since we sowed our seed pots, which crowd the window sills of our sunny kitchen. We made plant markers using left over wooden forks from our wedding, a can of chalkboard paint, and soapstone chalk. Our cucumbers, pumpkins, and kabochas have been going outside to harden the past few days. Scarlet runners and peas have already gone into the ground, after growing wildly upon germination.
Over the holidays, when we were away during Tyler’s interviews, the cool weather and rain softened the soil, much to our delight. Unfortunately, we also came home to a yard full of weeds. In the battle against the weeds, I’d say we’re losing. Pulling them up is a terrible task, but I’ve learned to embrace the discipline as part of breaking up fallow ground.
Upon the weeds, we made some peculiar discoveries. Two tomato seedlings popped up under one of our trees, perhaps from the leftovers of a bird perched above or a hungry animal (our dog has an affinity for for green tomatoes). I staked and pruned the seedlings and am excited to see what may come of it.
We also discovered that a plot of lettuce that I sowed seasons ago popped up. At the time, it was honestly too dry and too hot for the lettuce to germinate and thrive. After seeing nothing come of it months after I sowed the seeds, I figured the birds or ants had a feast, and I forgot about it. Now they’re huge. Below you will see the center of an oakleaf looseleaf that is over a foot and a half in diameter. Enjoying them over the past couple weeks has been a sweet reminder to me to sow with diligence and not lose heart; things may come to fruition when we least expect them to, and what a joy that is.
In other news, one of our strawberry plants sent out a runner and planted a new plant in the container next to it, pink jasmine and citrus trees are in full blossom, and my nose is happy, minus the allergies.
Our yard has quickly become one of my favorite spaces at home. I think our dog, Dusty, would also agree, evidenced by the fact that he’s truly living up to his name these days.
Also, true love: my husband built me a compost bin.
New favorite song these days. Seriously check it out.
With diligence and love,
L
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:10-11
