Countryside Chronicles: The Inspiring Legacy of Harvey's Garden
Discover the boundless joys of container gardening and the profound connection it can bring to nature, food, and community
My parents always had a large Victory garden in the suburbs just east of Cleveland where they had plenty of room. That being said one of the loveliest and most inspiring gardeners that I’ve ever known was my niece’s grandfather Harvey. Harvey and his wife lived in a neglected part of Cleveland that was a little bit rough and tumble, in an old Victorian house with a yard the size of a postage stamp. My husband loved them and they fed him many an evening when he was single and poor.
When we became a couple, Harvey was one of the first people that Jim took me to meet. I remember sitting down to dinner at the huge dining room table to a beautiful dinner of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, beets, greens, glazed carrots and a wonderful salad. The vegetables were incredibly fresh and I remember telling him how wonderful they were and asking him for his secret.
Harvey just smiled at me and after dinner motioned for me to follow him out the back door. Instead of a turnaround, he had created an oasis. Harvey’s backyard was very small, no bigger than a kitchen really, yet what he could grow there was amazing. He was using raised beds for his vegetables and the wire fencing was covered with grapes, berries and espaliered fruit trees. He had an asparagus bed and a plot for potatoes. I was humbled and inspired at the same time. What he didn’t use, he put up for the winter. Nothing was wasted. I enjoyed many a meal around that table and was always so honored to be included.
The spring after we sold our farm we moved into a third floor apartment inan area across from several huge malls, complete and total suburbia. To say that I missed having my own patch of dirt was something of an understatement, so I came up with the idea of turning our balcony into a mini urban farm. It was Harvey whose memory I conjured. He never saw my little balcony garden but I know that he would have approved. I used to think of him late at night when I’d sit out there (there was room for one straight chair!) and sip a glass of blackberry brandy. He was an urban farmer long before the term was chic. He wasn’t going back to the land. He was already living. I am grateful that he was so generous with me.
It was on that little balcony that I learned the pleasures of gardening in containers! You can truly grow a lot of food in a very small space and feel quite good about it. At the very least, you can grow tons of fresh herbs all summer long and in the cool spring, lettuces for fresh salads. All it takes are some containers, potting soil and fertilizer. This time of year there are oodles of young plants everywhere. Save the seeds for a larger garden and buy them. There is nothing like the instant gratification that a container garden can bring. A couple hours of enjoyable time and you're on your way to becoming just a bit more self sufficient and truly, I think that it is very important to grow some of your own food even if it's just a few tomatoes or some lovely basil for pesto. Growing some of your food connects you with the health of the planet in a way that you wouldn't normally experience. One morning you'll walk out and horrors, beetles will have eaten your basil or you'll begin to notice an absence of honeybees. One morning you'll walk out into the bright warm sun and a tomato that you've been nursing for weeks will come off in your hand, begging to be breakfast!
Wherever you find yourself living, I truly believe that one of the most important things that you can do to enhance your life and preserve your health is to grow some of your own food.
I was shocked at how much food I was able to grow in containers on that very small balcony and when I say small, I mean small. It was literally 7 feet long and four feet deep! It was gorgeous and the management office used to drive prospective renters by to point it out. That first year I grew a bumper crop of tomatoes and fresh herbs, lettuces, carrots, strawberries and even sunflowers. I used the railings and the walls and I hung baskets from hooks that I drilled into the ceiling. As a result I had plenty of herbs for cooking, tincturing, turning into healing vinegars and fresh teas and I was able to have a green salad anytime I wanted.
I replanted the lettuce in the fall, enjoyed it for a month or so and then added kale to the pots. I learned to make fresh goat cheese and I promise you that there is nothing like enjoying a fresh salad laced with strawberries and goat cheese and dressed with herbal vinegar infused with tarragon that you've grown and then bottled with your own two hands. I even had sweet woodruff for my father’s beloved May wine.
In the fall I let everything go to seed and as a result I had the most glorious birds singing at my patio all winter long. I was even more delighted to wake up one day to find a pair of Mourning Doves making a nest in one of my pots. We had the joy of watching their eggs hatch and the babies learn to fly. It was an incredible experience of blooming where you're planted. My husband thought I was crazy until he began to taste it all. Our son loved it and still likes to help me in the garden now that we've moved to a house with plenty of good growing space and now my grandson Wolfie, has joined us!
I continued to utilize my balcony for containers of all shapes and sizes for several more years and as a result of that experiment, I have always been inspired to help others learn to grow a bit of their food, as much as they can. Even if you don't have any more room for a simple pot of tomatoes, I promise you that that because you've grown them that they will be the best you've ever tasted.
In the spirit of Harvey's legacy, let's embrace the beauty of growing where we're planted. Whether it's a small balcony, a postage-stamp-sized yard, or a sprawling suburban garden, the joy of cultivating our own food knows no bounds. Through the seasons, from the tender shoots of spring to the bountiful harvests of fall, there's a profound connection to be found in nurturing life from seed to plate. So, let's roll up our sleeves, dig our hands into the soil, and sow the seeds of abundance, not just for our tables but for our souls. Together, let's celebrate the simple pleasures of gardening, the resilience of nature, and the enduring legacy of those who've shown us the way. Here's to blooming where we're planted and savoring every delicious moment along the way. Happy gardening, dear friends!
Did you miss our Sweet Tea Social virtual gathering on Tuesday? Don't worry; we've got all the highlights right here, and we're already looking forward to having you join us next time!
Imagine this: a cozy virtual gathering where gardeners of all levels come together to share stories, tips, and tea. That's exactly what our Sweet Tea Social was all about, and let me tell you, it was a blast!
We kicked things off with a heartfelt discussion about what inspired each of us to start gardening and how it has enriched our lives. From childhood memories of digging in the dirt to the therapeutic joy of watching seeds sprout, everyone had a unique story to share. It was inspiring to hear how our love for gardening has grown alongside our plants!
Then came the moment we'd all been waiting for: sharing our gardening triumphs and of course, our failures! From successfully growing our first tomato plant to creating a lush flower bed that attracts pollinators, each success story was met with cheers and applause. And of course, we made sure to swap tips and tricks along the way, because what's a garden gathering without a little wisdom exchange?
But let's not forget about the tea! As we chatted away, we sipped on our favorite blends and shared our thoughts about creating the perfect tea time in the garden. Whether you're a fan of soothing herbal infusions or bold black teas, there's nothing like enjoying a cuppa surrounded by nature's beauty and of course we couldn't resist sharing our favorite rituals and traditions for making it extra special. From setting up a cozy nook with comfy cushions to using grandma's antique tea set, everyone had their own unique way of celebrating their tea time in the garden.
Overall, our Sweet Tea Social was a delightful blend of laughter, learning, and love for all things green. If you missed out this time, don't fret! We'll be hosting another gathering soon, and we'd love to have you join us for more garden fun. Sweet Tea Socials are one of the perks that I offer for becoming a paid subscriber to say thank you for helping to support me and keep my writing free for everyone! You can find out more about becoming a paid subscriber right here!
Until next time, happy gardening and may your tea always be sweet! 🌿🫖🌸