Last week we asked how your gardens are doing, and oh my goodness the comment thread went wild in the best possible way! So, of course, we decided it was of the utmost importance to write a post featuring these lovely green spaces. Today, 10 readers show us their gardens…
Says Lauren (two photos, above), who lives in Roland, Iowa, “I’m so excited to begin my second year of growing dahlias in the garden my grandfather nurtured for years. Last year I planted about 70 tubers, and it was the most magical experience. I dug them all up in the fall, divided them and stored them in my ancient basement with my fingers crossed all winter. By some miracle, a majority survived! So, in the next two weeks, I’m going to be planting about 100 additional – 175 total – tubers. Wish me luck!”
“My friend brought me some seeds from her dad’s farm in Sicily, but she forgot what plant the seeds were from. I was delighted to plant a mystery seed. I thought it might be a zucchini. But as it started to grow, my ‘zucchini plant’ transformed into this massive vine with huge cinderella pumpkins! We called it ‘The Year of The Pumpkin.’” — Naudia, Nyack, New York
“We have a backyard garden, but I also do front yard gardening for pure vanity. I live on a busy street and love the fame and glory. My husband makes fun of me for sitting on the porch to get compliments from people who walk by. But I act very humble and say things like, ‘Thank you! I’m just having fun and experimenting!’ Meanwhile, I’m researching the best soil in a book called Soil, haha.” — Sharon, Guilford, Connecticut
“We have attempted to garden with our three-year-old and five-year-old, which is a blast and yields verrrry little. My son insisted on planting the seeds from his lunch apple one day, and lo and behold, a green shoot sprouted up. I cried, and my son shrugged like, yeah, seeds grow mom. We keep it on our table as a reminder of whimsy and wonder. Our three-year old added a *special* wood chip as her contribution.” — Hannah, North Shore, Massachusetts
“I bought four small pots of rosemary in the supermarket a couple of years ago and planted them by my front door. They’ve become huge and magnificent. Every time I brush past them, they release the most beautiful scent, and they’re covered in blue flowers in spring. In English folklore, rosemary at your door keeps you safe. £4 well spent!” — Hannah, Wiltshire, England
“I planted a climbing rose bush in the midst of postpartum depression and never looked back. Since then, I’ve chipped away to create a garden that reflects my style and values. The earth is so generous to us, and I want to give back to her by looking after the wildlife on my little urban plot. I’ve been learning a lot about sustainable gardening, amending the clay soil we’ve got everywhere in Nashville, and just how much energy goes into creating one single leaf. Now it’s my happy place.” — Gabby, Nashville, Tennessee
“This is my small terrace garden. When we bought the house, it was mainly weeds. Over the years, we’ve replaced them with stones, made huge flowerbeds, added loads of pots, and bought a trampoline for our very active six-year-old. This photo was taken on an unseasonably hot April day, so we put a sprinkler under the trampoline, just like they do in Bluey.” — Helen, Bristol, England
“It’s still early for planting in Chicagoland, but last year we carved out a section of our front lawn to make a pollinator garden. I watching all the bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The kids and I use a plant identifying app to see what new plants are coming up, and it’s so exciting!” — Jessica, Homewood, Illinois
“We lost our home of 17 years in the Eaton fire this January. Altadena has always been such a beautiful town with amazing gardens and yards. When I went to meet with the army yesterday, I noticed my iris were blooming. A sign of hope.” — Jennifer, Altadena, California
“I love gardening, but time to do that is precious as a newly full-time single mom. My kiddo had some Roblox time yesterday evening and set himself up with it to be close to me. We both got to do the things we wanted together!” — Merrill, Tacoma, Washington
P.S. Readers share happy moments and their beautiful tattoos.
