Friday, October 3, 2008

Marking the End of Summer


Dear Summer Garden,

Thank you so much for the tremendous bounty you produced over the past few months. You brought, not only us but many friends and family, so many delicious and fresh meals. There is something very special about food grown and picked in our backyard.

At many points you were giving me so much I had a hard time keeping up with you. I gave away several baskets of food to friends and family. Next year, I plan on planting a couple extra rows and giving food to the Food Bank. How wonderful it will be to share the magic of fresh food to those that don't have the change to experience it like I do, those people who rely on food bank donations of canned food. Will the taste of freshness jump and pop in their mouth the way is does in mine?

The look, feel and smell of a homegrown vine ripe tomato is the epitome of summer to me. I made fresh salsa from the jalapenos, green onions, tomatoes and cilantro that were growing. I ate fresh tomato and basil for countless meal. I picked hundreds of beans, roasted the abundance of orange and red peppers. I discovered new herbs, Summer Savory and Greek Basil this year. And so much more.

I find peace being with you. Tending your rows, feeling your dirt in my hands. I get so much pleasure watching you grow. Mature and bear your goods. But the time has come. This weekend I will have to dig up the remaining plants and say good-bye. I'll miss you, but we'll meet again next spring.

Thank you again for giving so much from my body, mind and soul.

Love,

me.

5 comments:

new*me said...

i will miss summer veggies too but I have lots of tomato sauce in the freezer :) I am ready for Fall soups!

Christine said...

I can't wait until next summer when I get to have a garden :D

Hanlie said...

That's one of the first things I'm going to do when we get to America - plant a garden!

Unknown said...

I want to try my hand at gardening next year or maybe in Florida I can do it now. I don't know. I'm a gardening idiot!

Unknown said...

Such a sweet letter. Gardening is awesome. Good idea to give them as gifts!