When I moved about four years ago to my new house, I inherited two separate garden plots in the back of my property. To be honest I had always enjoyed flowers, and had a few pots of flowers at my previous home but never a garden.
The other confession that I need to make is that I had never been a big “vegetable” guy growing up. When Mom or Dad cooked for the Peters clan the vegetables consisted of corn, peas and green beans. It wasn’t until I was a full-fledged adult of about the age of 24 before I had my first lettuce salad. To say I was a picky eater really was an understatement.
So what does a then 46-year-old do with not only one garden to manage but two decent sized ones? Well the first thing was simple; I would turn one garden over to the St. Victor School hot lunch program. This was an awesome decision. From that time forward we have used our spring planting day, where we plant flowers around the church and school community, to also plant this garden with the vegetables going into our program (or at times if we get a lot, we are able to donate to the Green County Food Pantry, as we did with squash a few years back). So, half of my problem was solved, but what was I going to do with the other one?
Well the biggest thing I was going to do was change. I was going to attempt to change my approach to eating (which is still a work in progress), but more importantly, really starting to learn about vegetables: how to grow them, what kind to plant, how to harvest them, how to weed them, and most importantly, how to cook them. To say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks is a complete fallacy!
I became the vegetable guy that I never ever thought I could be. In year five of this garden I have grown: zucchini, eggplant, cucumbers, kohlrabi, cabbage, summer squash, onions, lettuce, tomatillos, as well as a million different varieties of tomatoes and peppers. Some of these vegetable adventures just lasted one season, but many of the items I grow year after year. I have created several recipes that I have enjoyed and have made me a bit more adventurous in my older age when dealing with my eating habits. But one of the greatest joys that I have had in growing this garden is the ability to share some of the vegetables with the people I work with, school families, parish members and neighbors.
Inheriting this garden has taught me two very important lessons, which I think is also fitting for this end of the school year: change and sharing. As a school year comes to an end, it is important to look back on all that has touched your life in the past year; new learnings, new experiences, amazing teachers. I would guess there was some conflict, frustration, and at times confusion, but there was also success, commitment and love. Love that is developed between teachers and students, between school community and family communities. But as one school year ends and summer begins it is now time for some change in your world. There will be a new teacher, a new schedule, for many a new school or educational opportunity in September. Embrace this. Just as the garden offered me a change in the way I looked at eating, growing and weeding, your next adventure is just around the corner. Take some time for yourself but also don’t be afraid of what is coming in the future. Change can be great; it makes us better people.
The garden also reminded me to how important it is to share. I have been given so many great things in life. Supportive family and friends. An amazing job. Students and families that support and believe in the mission of St. Victor and the importance of a faith-based education. I have been given a pretty amazing life. It is with this life that I must be willing to give and share with others. Not just my extra zucchini but my time in volunteering, my talents and energy for my friends and even strangers, my treasure to those people or organizations that need it. The garden has taught me, it is in giving that we truly receive.
The summer and growing season is upon us. I encourage you to take a look at the beautiful world that is around you. Is it time for a change for you? Don’t be afraid. Who knows, maybe it will make you a gardener like me? Or a better vegetable eater; my mom would be so proud. Whatever that change is, I wish you good luck in making it a successful part of the wonderful person you are.
Finally, don’t forget to share. Other people need you, just as you need them. Share your ideas, your faith, your passion for life. We will all soon be creating a truly amazing world for one another a garden full of opportunities and happiness. Happy summer vacation, and eat your vegetables!!
— Joe Peters is the principal at St. Victor School in Monroe. His column appears on the second Saturday of each month. He can be reached at joepeters@stvictormonroe.org.
