Grandparents & Gardening
As I was growing up I remember visiting and spending time at both of my Grandparent’s Farms. Back then little did I realize how resourceful they were! Both raising large families they had to be quite self-sufficient.
Their gardens grew enough produce to last all year by eating fresh in season and canning, freezing and keeping it in a root house for off season. Crops included potatoes and turnip fields, large vegetable gardens, apple orchards, raspberry and strawberry patches, rhubarb, red currant bushes etc. The extra was also a source of income by either selling it to select customers or at the market. They also took advantage of what Mother Nature had to offer, such as mushrooms, leeks and blueberries.
My Grandparents knew their land and they knew their soil, after all it was the key to their gardening success. They knew how to read weather signs and rely on the moon for planting and harvesting. The combination of hard work and dedication to their crop ensured success. They recycled everything; even the stove ashes and dirty dishwater were reused. The stewardship of the land seemed to come so natural to them.
Environmentally friendly was a lifestyle not a trend. They valued what they had and were very dedicated to preserving it for the next generation. As I work in my small gardens it gives me time to reminisce and treasure my memories on the farm. I appreciate all I have learned from my Grandparents not only in gardening but also life in general.
Kathy Lemieux
Their gardens grew enough produce to last all year by eating fresh in season and canning, freezing and keeping it in a root house for off season. Crops included potatoes and turnip fields, large vegetable gardens, apple orchards, raspberry and strawberry patches, rhubarb, red currant bushes etc. The extra was also a source of income by either selling it to select customers or at the market. They also took advantage of what Mother Nature had to offer, such as mushrooms, leeks and blueberries.
My Grandparents knew their land and they knew their soil, after all it was the key to their gardening success. They knew how to read weather signs and rely on the moon for planting and harvesting. The combination of hard work and dedication to their crop ensured success. They recycled everything; even the stove ashes and dirty dishwater were reused. The stewardship of the land seemed to come so natural to them.
Environmentally friendly was a lifestyle not a trend. They valued what they had and were very dedicated to preserving it for the next generation. As I work in my small gardens it gives me time to reminisce and treasure my memories on the farm. I appreciate all I have learned from my Grandparents not only in gardening but also life in general.
Kathy Lemieux
