Gardening: All in the Family

For as long as I can remember my mom had vegetable and flower gardens, sometimes big, sometimes small.  So did my grandparents.  All this interest in growing things rubbed off on me and hopefully I’ll pass it on to my kids.  With that in mind, I had my mom and daughter take us on a tour of their June gardens.  First my mom, Peggy, in northern Michigan.

So lucky to have the space of all these raised beds (check out all the raspberries in the back!).

photos by peggy

 Petunia garden protected from the rabbits

photos by peggy/stephi gardens

Zinnias!

photos by peggy/stephi gardens

Hummingbirds are enjoying the flowers right now.  Soon they’ll be looking for some extra food.

photos by peggy/stephi gardens

A more natural garden.

photos by peggy/stephi gardens

 

photos by peggy/stephi gardens

A lovely visitor–Tiger Swallowtail

photos by peggy/stephi gardens

Salad in a bag!

photos by peggy/stephi gardens

 Succulents!  This is a creative work in progress. I can’t wait to see what she does with this.  I know she’s got some great ideas.

photos by peggy/stephi gardens

 

photos by peggy/stephi gardens

 

photos by peggy/stephi gardens

My daughter Emily lives in an apartment with some friends downtown.  When we were talking earlier in the spring, she was complaining about the price of tomatoes.  Soon after that, I happened to see a great looking potted patio tomato plant that would fit on her porch.

stephi gardens

She couldn’t have been more excited and has taken lovingly care of this plant.  It gets a hello and a glass of water from the mason jar every morning.  Recently I got a text that read “Mom!  2 of my tomatoes hatched!”  I hope they grow big, red and juicy for her.  I think she’ll be hooked then.

Do you have someone who inspired you, or have you inspired anyone else to garden? 

4 thoughts on “Gardening: All in the Family

  1. It’s nice your daughter is excited about growing tomatoes. I have never been able to get my sons engaged, though I think the older one (he’s 27) is getting more interested.

    1. She told me she wishes she had more space for some other things. She may try some herbs this summer too. I’m hoping that my boys will someday think to have a garden too. It’s one of those things they may surprise you with and pick it up just from either seeing yours all those years, or knowing who to call for help.

  2. I like that salad in a bag technique. Glad your daughter’s tomatoes are working out. Nothing tastes better. My parents and grandparents also gardened, mostly vegetables. My mother’s cousin introduced me to so many wonderful flowering plants.

    1. I like the bag technique too. Unlike hers, my bag is still in the shed 🙂 Maybe next year now that I know how good it works. It’s great having those family connections with gardening. Everyone has so much knowledge to pass on. Good memories too.

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