GREENER THUMB

I'm not as "granola" as some people peg me for. I wish I was...then I wouldn't stress over my morning coffee runs and I'd likely drive a hybrid instead of pouring cash into my SUV. One thing I love, though, is -- brace yourselves -- being one with the earth. All joking aside, I love working in the yard and digging in the dirt. I've had a garden ever since I bought my first home almost 9 years ago. What started with a single tomato plant and die-hard perennials has turned into a full-fledged, constantly evolving fascination for the love of plants. There is no better stress relief (or work-out for that matter) than getting your hands dirty. Nothing consumes the mind so completely as tackling the weeds in my veggies or bracing my dahlias.

My garden has taught me a thing or two about patience, control (or lack thereof) and diligence. And that's what I love about it. I'm by no means an expert but I love that each year I can learn from the previous years challenges and have a hardier, more lush garden bed to show for it. Every year gets a little brighter, a little greener. In turn, I get a little bolder and a lot smarter.

This year, in addition to the tomato plants and die-hard perennials, I have pushed my luck and sowed an entire vegetable garden. Crazy, I know. Some things haven't worked out. Lettuce? Bitter, yuk. Some things have gone fairly smoothly, with only a snag. My snap peas have overgrown the bamboo tee pee and are threatening to topple over onto my potatoes...but not before having given me nearly 3 pounds of produce. And some things have been off the charts (and through no skill of my own - trust me). My strawberries are happy and wild. I've harvested almost 7 pounds. Though they are slowing down, there was a point earlier this summer where we were picking nearly a pound every 3-4 days. Next year looks just as promising. I had no idea I was a strawberry farmer.

My tomato plants are still a carefully orchestrated dance between frost and heat wave. They love the hot side of the house but last years crop never ripened and I'm on pins and needles waiting for this year to produce something edible if only to prove to myself that I actually DID learn something instead of just assuming I did.

My lucky successes in one area gives me a boldness for things I've been hesitant to attempt before. My potatoes are growing crazy and I'm not sure what to do next - something about mounding and piling on more dirt. I think I might have ears of corn but isn't it too soon?! My onions are small, will they be too potent to eat or charmingly sweet? I even bought a temperamental rose bush (Lord help me...).

In a day when pesticides are prevalent and grocery costs are sky-rocketing, more and more people are growing at home. How great! Although it's nothing new...um, you know our grandparents did it out of necessity...I can't get over the sense of community and camaraderie that comes along with dishing the woes and wonders of a garden. Now if only I could get the dirt out of my fingernails.

What are you growing?