Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
In my household, there is a very exclusive organization known as the Garden Club. So exclusive, in fact, that even I am not a member. Alas, I do not possess the requisite green thumb. However, little Haley is a very dedicated participant.

Nearly every day this summer, Haley and her grandparents have gone down to our side yard in the early morning light bearing their buckets to reap their harvest. The yield includes tomatoes, green peppers, hot red peppers, cucumbers, scallions and giant vegetables known as baseball squash—they resemble the bat, not the ball!

Though I can’t take credit for our beautiful garden, I sure do enjoy its bounty. It’s so nice to enjoy homegrown vegetables at dinner every night. Without my even thinking much about it, Haley is really absorbing a skill that her father and I are totally deficient in. Thank goodness for grandparents! She just loves going out in her Crocs and garden hat, collecting everything in her basket, getting her fingernails dirty, playing with shovels and soil (and if you ask her, really helping!), and coming back in to show me what she’s gotten. I’m so proud of her!

I hope that one day when I become a home owner, I will be able to continue in the family’s gardening tradition. I love having fresh, healthy food, and it’s also wonderful exercise. Luckily, my parents will be able to guide us. One thing’s for sure—Haley will be in charge of our garden spot!