Influences

Years ago I started a compost pile because I had grand plans for an organic garden and I knew I’d need compost. Then my husband got involved.

The spot I intended for the garden, he’d intended for a workshop. We argued, and no one won. The plug got pulled on my big dreams and eventually I just pushed the pile of compost over the edge of the ridge.

A friend suggested I plant zucchini somewhere because they’ll grow without the least bit of fussing.  I had visions of  bug and slug-free raised beds and lots of order and purpose.  I didn’t want to just slap some zucchini seeds down somewhere - so I even let that idea slide.

But what I was most upset about was that I wouldn’t have any pumpkins. I really wanted my own pumpkin patch, for the fun of it, but also for the economical aspect.  My annual trips to Gordon Pumpkins is a budgetable item. When Kaleb was little, we’d go almost daily in October. I bought all the varieties and loved to decorate inside and out with them.  After the holidays, they found their new purpose in my compost pile.

When I came home from a long vacation, the year of this compost pile incident, the yard was a bit out of control. I walked around to check out how bad it was.  As I walked by the edge of the ridge, I noticed a type of leaf growing that I’d never seen in weeds before. 

Big broad leaves were everywhere, along with hidden yellowish orange flowers amidst the run-amuck morning glories and blackberry vines.  Zucchini plants came to mind, but I wasn’t sure, so I waited a few weeks to see what would appear.  And then, the most glorious sight to behold – my own pumpkin patch had emerged from the compost pile! I was thrilled.  I got my pumpkins after all – and with no effort whatsoever.

It wasn’t long before that whole gardening experience made me think of my then three-year-old son.  I’d worked hard at controlling Kaleb’s environment, creating the “perfect garden” for him to grow.  I kept sugar away so he wouldn’t develop a sweet tooth, televsion wasn’t in our home, but we read books and playing interactively. I spent a lot of energy keeping him “bug and slug free.”

I’m almost done with my “planting” years now, but what I’ve been most impressed by is seeing what is growing in Kaleb, that I didn’t really feel like I planted at all. With about the same energy as I extended taking compost out to the pile, I was affecting Kaleb in ways I didn’t even realize. He’s learned more by example, than words. What a nice surprise over the years to watch certain qualities develop in him.  The things I value most, are also growing in him.

Not everything about mothering has to be hard, and not everything about having a garden has to be perfect.  My unexpected pumpkin patch is proof of that.