Spring in the Garden

How far we have come

We have been gardening for one year now. Last year we designed and built our garden, taking sod out, building beds, laying gravel. We are so thankful that we did all that hard work then so that this year we can just focus on what to plant and where to plant it. We have learned quite a bit over the year and are eager to see that knowledge put to use.

What we planted this year by seed:

• Okra – Clemson spineless
• Pepper – serrano
• Pepper – biquinho
• Pepper – shishito
• Cucumber – “homemade pickles”
• Green bean, bush – ‘Contender’
• Planted pole beans – ‘Blue Lake FM-1K’
• Basil
• Parsley
• Cilantro
• Spinach
• Arugula
• Romaine
• Radishes

What we plated this year by transplant:

• 1 tomato – ‘Juliet’ indeterminate
• 1 tomato – ‘Celebrity’ determinate
• 2 tomato – ‘Super Sweet 100’ indeterminate
• 1 pepper – sweet banana
• 1 pepper – ‘California Wonder”
• 1 pepper – ‘Early Jalepeno’
• 1 herb – trailing rosemary

Inspired by the Divine in the Garden and Beyond

I have recently been stirred up by a Becoming Something podcast with Jordan Raynor on creation. You can listen below!

My Notes

• We see our work as partnering with a creative, working God to advance the gospel
• God is a God who creates
• The Sixth day of creation is seen as the end but is just the beginning when God passed the baton to you and me
• Genesis 1:26-28
• He invites us to co-labor because parents love being alongside their children
• To be made into the image of God means to be creative
• God created both beauty and order

Takeaway

As a mother my work can seem small, unseen, unimportant. But that is a lie. I am reminded that I am called by my Creator to create beauty and order. Beauty in quilting, bread making, decorating, growing a garden or making a cozy home. Order in making our weekly meal plan, sorting laundry or taking our home from messy to a clean, inviting space for us to gather with friends and family.

I get so excited when Davy James experiences all the senses of spring. To see the trees flowering, the feel of oregano, the taste of green onions. I love bringing him along in all we do. Even more so the Lord loves me, wants to know me, wants to co-labor creatively with me. All the good I experience and love I feel for the garden or Davy James or Ryan is from God. He is the source. He is good. He is love.

When I am dull I look to stir my affections for Christ and the garden is a place that ignites me to Him. But I am reminded that any of the work that I do as a momma and wife can point me to Him. The mundane can turn into a sweet aroma for Christ if it is viewed through the lens of the gospel.

An invitation to create beauty and order to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.