A good garden may have some weeds.
~ Thomas Fuller
How does your garden grow? The age old question!
This year has been a challenge getting the garden up and growing. Normally as soon as the snow melts I am out digging in the dirt, removing straw from the beds, and laying down black plastic to warm up the soil. I set out my plants, bury my seeds, construct hoop tunnels, and baby every little plant that sprouts from the ground. This year was different.
There were numerous factors why this year was a challenge. To begin with, last year’s early start was not at all successful. I had grown most of my plants from seed over the winter and in my exuberance planted them at what I thought to be a reasonable time. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate. We had a severe freeze and I lost many of the plants I had grown from seed. To say I was demoralized wouldn’t be a stretch.
Another reason I was reluctant to get the process going was the considerable amount of time and effort it takes to keep plants protected. Every evening I would be out making sure the plants were covered so they didn’t get too cold, and every morning would find me out removing the same coverings for fear the little darlings might get too hot. Choosing not to plant early this year, I reasoned that putting a plant in the ground before the proper time would surely stunt the plants growth, at least for a time; therefore I probably was not gaining a thing by planting out early.
And so, this year I waited. Only time will tell if it will make a difference or not. The peas are now blossoming, the spinach and lettuce is leafy and the broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are heading! The harvest for my spring veggies has already begun!
Today as I walk through the garden, I find myself wondering…”How does my garden grow in the arena of life?” and “What parallels can I apply outside of my garden? ”
I have a tendency to want things now. I have little patience to wait on God’s timing and very often recklessly forge ahead without counting the cost. Sometimes I’m successful, but I fail often enough that He gets my attention. All the effort and hard work gets me no further along than if I would have waited; needless time spent spinning my wheels.
I am grateful for God’s patience with me and am certain He has a great sense of humor. He continues to pull at the weeds in my garden, allowing for greater growth and beauty in the future.
So… How does your garden grow?
How Does your Garden Grow shared with:
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Sweet Haute: La Dolce Vita: Thursday Sweet Haute Share Link Party
Lambert’s Lately: Create it Thursday
Janine’s Confessions of a Mommyholic: Pin it Party
Living Well Spending Less: Thrifty Thursday
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Create With Joy: Inspire Me Monday
Creative K Kids: Bloggers Brag
Ducks ‘n a Row: Plucky’s Second Though Link Party
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This looks gorgeous. 🙂 I wish my garden were this far along… another month or so! I also wish the bunnies did not eat the broccoli! 🙂
Thanks for the laugh out loud chuckle for the day.
Blessings,
Shari
The main reason I garden is because when I am out there getting my hands dirty, watching plants grow and reaping the benefits from them, I am my closest to God. He put all this knowledge on us, so we can grow not only food but grow in his word.
Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I’ve pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board
Tammy recently posted…Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party for June 23
He is a good and great God. I am grateful for how He provides.
Blessings,
Shari
This is such a great article!
Again, thanks for joining the Link Up this week!
Jess recently posted…Link Up #42 with a Co-Host
It was my pleasure and thanks for stopping by.
I have enjoyed exploring your blog! I am adding you to my reads. 🙂
Marjorie recently posted…Fathers’ Day Weekend and Weekly Meal Plan
I am always so happy to hear that someone has enjoyed what I have written. Brings a great big happy smile to my face. Welcome friend!
We’ve had a lot of rain over the past few days and I am hoping to see a lot of growth in my garden.
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I love it when I can get water for free! Summer rain is the best! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to share. Blessings, Shari.
Everything in your garden is so lush, fresh and healthy! #WW
Merlinda Little (@pixiedusk) recently posted…The Gallery – Details
It is coming along! Wont be long and I will be cooking up a little fresh broccoli! Thanks for stopping by!
Hello Shari, I’ve pinned this and my husband loves/envious of your beautiful garden, heehee. I showed him your beautiful pictures. Stopping by as a co-host of Wonderful Wed Blog Hop and your bloggy friend, Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
Thanks Carrie for stopping in. Please tell your husband he is welcome to come over anytime and share a few veggies (you too 🙂 ! ).
Blessings friend to you and your family,
Shari
What a great parallel between your garden and how God is gardening us! I loved your pictures too. I have a thoughtful Thursdays linkup if you ever want to link up posts like this! I put in a garden, but have not been out weeding. Right now I am dealing with very itchy rash from poison something that I must have got while trying to weed my ground cover.
Tammy @ creativekkids recently posted…Tasty Tuesdays: Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies With Review of Food Scale and Cutting Board
Thank you Tammy. I am sorry to hear about your itchy problem. I can relate, I have had poison Ivy several times in the past and it is definitely no fun. I will be sure to check out your Thoughtful Thursdays linkup. It is always nice to have a place to share.
Blessings,
Shari
Hi Shari – This is lovely. It spoke to me because I love gardening too, and I also tend to forge ahead with my plans without seeking God’s wisdom. I’m trying to do that less and less as I get older, but it’s a hard habit to break.
Gaye @CalmHealthySexy recently posted…6 Ways to Enjoy Life More this Summer
One would think after years of stumbling I would slow down a bit and take a moment to listen. You are right it is a hard habit to break, especially in our Western culture that honors independence above all else. Sometimes it’s hard to buck that trend. Thanks for stopping in and visiting a while. I appreciate your sharing!
Blessings,
Shari
Beautiful pictures! Gorgeous garden! Amazing post! LOVE THIS and can’t wait to see the fabulous harvest you’ll have! Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
Thanks Carrie, I picked my first big bowl full of strawberries today and am making homemade strawberry ice cream tonight! I truly do love this time of year!
Blessings,
Shari
I totally am so not a pro at gardening and am now trying to help my oldest grow her sunflower seeds for school. So far so good, so I have fingers crossed not hat. Loved seeing your garden on showcase today – absolutely beautiful 🙂
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Thanks Janine for stopping by on your special day (happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you!) Thanks for the kind words and good luck with the sunflowers!
Blessings,
Shari
What a beautiful post. The pictures of your garden are so beautiful. What a wonderful message you shared. Like you, I often find myself making quick decisions, not seeking his guidance, not thinking past the immediate want or desire, only to be burned, hurt or sorrowful . We are all a work in progress, all we can do is learn from our mistakes and move forward. It looks like your garden is off to a wonderful start. I can not wait to see how fruitful it will be this year.
Kim @ The Cookie Puzzle recently posted…Light Fixture Makeover
Thank you Kim for your kind and thoughtful comments…I definitely am a work in progress, and like my garden still have many weeds yet to be pulled! Thanks so much for stopping in and visiting. I feel as if we are kindred spirits!
Blessings, Shari
Beautiful, healthy garden. It’s winter here now, so our garden is sleeping 🙂
Rhonda Albom recently posted…6 Steps to Fresh Coconut Milk from the Tree of Life, the Coconut Palm
Do you get a lot of snow during the winter months where you live in New Zealand? I am sure no matter the season it is beautiful! Thanks for stopping in and taking a moment to share.
Blessings,
Shari
gorgeous photos and good to see the garden coming together.
NYC Single Mom recently posted…Walking Through the Fields of the Storm King Art Center #WordlessWednesday
It has been a trying road this year, but it is all worth it when I begin reaping the harvest! Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to share.
Blessings,
Shari