Finding Meaning and Miracles: My Garden's Purpose
In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, finding meaning and purpose can be a constant pursuit. For me, the answer lies in the simple yet profound act of working in my garden. Watching vegetables and flowers grow from tiny seeds into thriving, beautiful plants feels like witnessing a miracle unfold before my eyes. In this blog post, I will share how tending to my garden has become one of my most meaningful purposes these days, as well as the joy I experience in nurturing my favorite clematis family and the satisfaction of preserving plants for the next season.
A Miracle in Every Seed
The process of planting and nurturing seeds is an awe-inspiring journey of life. I find myself drawn to the nurturing aspect of gardening, as I get to care for these tiny seeds until they flourish into abundant and colorful plants. Each day, I water them, provide them with the nutrients they need, and even carefully trim away any dead parts. It's a labor of love that brings a sense of fulfillment like no other.
Clematis: A Perennial Delight
In my garden, the clematis family stands as a perennial delight, capturing my heart with its unique charm. These plants hold an enchanting presence, boasting impressive growth, a symphony of vibrant colors, and intricately captivating shapes. With a diverse range of species and cultivars, clematis showcases an array of bloom sizes and hues, from delicate pastels to bold, rich tones. Their remarkable ability to climb and intertwine adds a touch of whimsy to any garden setting. Amidst the array of flora, clematis stands as a testament to the beauty that nature can unveil, a constant reminder of the intricate elegance that graces my garden landscape.
The Dahlia Flower’s Progression
These gorgeous Dahlia blooms are eye-catching in my garden. Observing the flower’s progress each year, from the dormant winter stage to their splendid summer blooms, never ceases to amaze me. This year, I took the exciting step of planting tubulars that I had preserved in peat moss over the winter, an encouraging endeavor that brought forth a new generation of these marvelous flowers.
Preserving the Past and Embracing the Present
Gardening is not only about tending to the present but also about preserving the past. Our neighbor's generous gift of tomato plants from seeds passed down through generations in Italy was a testament to this. Watching these heirloom tomatoes thrive in our yard, I felt connected to the rich history behind them. It's a beautiful reminder of the continuity of life and the importance of preserving traditions and knowledge for future generations.
The Sweetness of Strawberry Jam
Beyond the joy of watching my garden grow, I take immense pleasure in savoring the fruits of my labor, literally. One of my favorite creations from the garden is homemade strawberry jam. The process of making this sweet delight on the stove is both fulfilling and rewarding.
To make strawberry jam, first, gather ripe, juicy strawberries from your garden. Wash them thoroughly and remove the stems. Next, crush the strawberries using a potato masher or a fork, leaving some small chunks for texture. Transfer the crushed strawberries to a large pot and add sugar according to your taste preference. Squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavor and help with the jam's natural pectin content.
Place the pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and burning. As the mixture heats up, it will begin to thicken and take on the familiar texture of jam. Continue to stir and cook the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.
Once the jam is ready, carefully ladle it into sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool before storing them in the refrigerator. Enjoy the delicious taste of your homemade strawberry jam on toast, scones, or as a delightful topping for desserts.
In a world filled with complexities, the simplicity of gardening brings me immense joy and purpose. Tending to my garden, nurturing plants from seeds to full bloom, and preserving the past through heirloom plants all contribute to my sense of fulfillment. The process of making strawberry jam from my garden's produce is a delicious reminder of the beauty that nature offers when we invest our time and care. As I continue this journey, I am grateful for the miracles that unfold in my garden and the meaningful purpose it brings to my life.
