02/09/2025
Most mornings lately, I walk outside and come back in with armfulls of fresh grown goodness. Today it was cucumbers, peppers, squash, zucchini, green beans, red Malabar spinach, basil, fennel, sage, lavender, and a handful of flowers that made their way into a little mason jar bouquet for the kitchen table.
It still amazes me how much can come from just a few steps outside the door. There’s a rhythm to it now: the crunch of grass underfoot, the rustle of leaves as I reach in to pick, the smell of basil clinging to my hands. These six Greenstalk planters have been producing so steadily that gathering has become part of my daily routine. And honestly, I’ve found myself looking forward to it, it feels grounding, like starting the day with abundance.
What I love most isn’t just the food, though I’ll never get tired of pulling supper straight off the vine. It’s the way it shifts the atmosphere in our home. Fresh squash on the counter says, “Let’s cook together tonight.” A bouquet of zinnias and celosia on the table whispers, “Slow down. Enjoy this moment.” Even the simple act of rinsing cucumbers at the sink reminds me that we are nourished by work we put our hands to.
I think that’s why gardening, whether big or small, feels so different than just going to the store. It’s not only about what ends up on the plate. It’s about noticing the little blessings on the way there: blossoms turning to beans, seeds stretching into squash, tiny buds opening into color.
No, my garden isn’t perfect. Some plants are overgrown, some flowers are leaning a little wild, and sometimes I don’t get to everything I meant to. But the daily harvest keeps showing up, and it reminds me that perfection isn’t the goal, faithfulness is. Tending, gathering, and giving thanks for what grows.
So today I’m sitting here with a counter full of vegetables and herbs, a vase of bright flowers, and a grateful heart. And I can’t help but wonder, what’s been filling your basket this week? 🌿💐
GreenStalk Garden
