Plants & Bulbs

» katycopsey - Learning to Garden

I remember my first gardening experience - I had to prune a bunch of roses. My father showed my how to prune one, watched me prune two further ones, then sent me out to do the rest of the garden. I think we had about 50 roses, but it seemed like a 1000 at the time! Not only did I learn how to prune a rose, but also that it is tough to kill a plant by mere pruning - disfigure yes, kill no.

-- posted by katycopsey

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» Georgene A. Bramlage - Learning to Garden

In response to Learning to Garden posted by katycopsey:

Well, Kate, at least you didn't grow to hate roses! Or trees, shrubs or pruning for that matter

The first gardening experience that I remember most vividly is picking off tomato horn worm caterpillars.

I grew up hating tomatoes, not only to eat, but also the smell and feel of the plant! When we grew lots of vegetables, tomatoes were my husband's domain

It has only been recently that I've come to appreciate the beauty and diversity of this plant, its botanical origins and beauty of fruit from the various cultivars. I can now also eat raw fruit (tomatoes) from a few select cultivars.

BTW, spaghetti sauce never bothered me, but other forms of tomato sauces did and still do!

Moral: Don't send kids out to do a man's or woman's job alone! Garden with your kids - don't look on them as a source of "free labor."

G

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» Robert Dailey - Learning to Garden

In response to Learning to Garden posted by Cercis:

I agree with you about gardening with kids, Georgene. My youngest daughter has followed me around the garden for years, first just digging holes in the dirt (teaching me patience), putting flowers in her hair, nose and belly button, learning to plant, prune and care for vegetables, fruits and ornamentals alongside me. Now at 11, she's becoming an accomplished gardener. We look through resource books to identify insects, plant disorders, new varieties of plants. She now makes suggestions to me (such as "why don't we plant the red hot poker over there, where it will get more sun, Dad.")It's actually a pleasure to garden with her now, and we have real conversations while we are gardening.b

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» Georgene A. Bramlage - Learning to Garden

In response to Learning to Garden posted by bobcajun:

Bob...

Good for you, and for your daughter!

I like to think my husband and I also did "something right" with our three kids

We've hired an 8th grade (about 14-years-old) boy to help us this summer...he is very sharp and observant, asks thoughtful questions, and knows more about small engine machines than I ever will! Alas, I will not turn him into a "fine gardener" - he likes machines too much! However, our yard will be neat this summer He is going to start at our local trade school in the fall in the hort / landscape program.

G.

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