by Richard S. Kordesh
Like the raspberries that will grow in front of our garage, this very early spring brought forth a sweet, yet somewhat tart, flavor. The warmest March on record reminded us of climate change, but also freed gardeners to turn their beds early. It is inspiring to see the young apple tree next to our front steps flowering. The same goes for our pear trees and the cherries: Their buds blossomed into graceful white petals in mid-March!
Now that the unseasonably warm weather has invited all of this blooming, it had better hold! We will grow a variety of fruits on our 40-ft. x 175-ft. lot, including three kinds of apples from dwarf trees, two types of pears, two kinds of cherries, blueberries, strawberries, the aforementioned raspberries, and we hope, kiwis.
As the saying goes, “Children learn what they live.” Our kids assumed that food grew right outside the door. This season, we have the honor of sharing this bounty with our young Chinese guest, LeRong Deng, and her mother, Mo Ju.
Mother and daughter have already planted flower seeds in a pot on our deck. Once again, my wife Maureen and I can walk the garden with an eager child in hand. The earlier season affords these teaching opportunities, even as the earth instructs us about her fragile health in the small spaces of our yard.
What teaching opportunities do you have for kids in your home or community?
Guest blogger Richard S. Kordesh is the author of Restoring Power to Parents and Places and has worked professionally in the community development field for 35 years.
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