maxb46•1mo ago

Talked to a longtime gardener at Grant Park and it hit different

I was out walking my dog last Sunday morning and ran into this older guy tending his plot at the community garden. He told me he's been growing the same tomatoes from seed he saved 18 years ago, never buying new plants or packets. Said most folks give up too quick when something doesn't look perfect the first season, but the real trick is just sticking with it and learning the land. Made me think about how quick I am to toss a project when it gets hard instead of sticking the course. Has anyone else had a random chat with a stranger that changed how you look at something?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_lucas1mo ago

Ain't it funny how the best wisdom comes from some random person in the dirt? That gardener sounds like he's got more patience than I'll ever have. I bet the tomatoes taste better too when you know the story behind them. Most people bail when things get messy, but that's usually when the real growing happens. Makes me wonder what I'd have now if I stuck with a few things I gave up on years ago.

the_jana1mo ago

Ugh, that line about bailing when things get messy really hit home.