Plot #86

I got word on Friday that I was granted a gardening plot of my very own at 21 Acres Farm in Woodinville! 21 Acres is an amazing organization. In addition, 21 acres has community gardens for people like me to farm their very own piece of land, and last year they started a kids farm camp. The camp is designed for kids to spend a week at the farm, during the day, doing a variety of things on the farm- but most importantly, they are learning about where their food comes from. 21 acres also has a green building under construction, which will house demonstration kitchen, electric vehicle charging station and gathering space.

My plot is 200 sq feet and I have to begin working it by May 1st. I'm space #86. I went to check it out yesterday, and it's a raw piece of land. My first job will be to get out there, mark the parameters of the space, weed and turn the dirt. I need to get the space organized into sections so that I can get seeds started and spaces ready for transplants. It also looks like I will need to add some compost to the space, for some added nutrition.

I'm equally excited and struck a little sad by this definitely wonderful news. I'm happy that I have a space; well actually now I have two spaces to spread my gardening wings this summer- I am pretty lucky indeed! It was a little daunting to pull up to the raw, untouched piece of land that's waiting for me to tend it. I felt a little overwhelmed as I tried to mentally plan what I needed to do to the dirt ready. I knew my old garden so well- how the plants did in certain spots, what was previously planted where, how the soil felt in my hands and how rich it was. I don't know anything about this earth; I am starting from scratch, gardening blind.

A little sadness touched my heart at the same time. Thomas and I did the garden planning and tending together. We were bonded in the process, and equally committed and eager to see the outcomes. It also feels like another step towards the future, one without him in my life. I'm not certain that I am ready for this. Regardless, time doesn't stand still waiting for us to gather our thoughts and feelings before forging ahead. We just must. And so I must.