Apples and Green Beans

For a fun project at the babysitters house she decided to make paper seed cups and plant apple seeds in them. I was five and very excited to have my very own apple tree. Imediately upon arriving home I moved the seed into our vegetable garden.

Our vegetable garden was a magical place,hidden at the back of our farm. A small path through the woods led to it. The corn was taller than my father. I can still see his legs moving through the paths while i snuck around at his feet. I rember it well. Weedless with perfect rows. I had my own little spot where i lovingly placed my apple seed.

The seed started to sprout. Everyday i waited for apples on the tiny seedling. One day i went to check it and found tiny green beans! I began to cry and run back to the house. I can still remember running up the path which was cloaked by a large crab apple tree. My vision was blurred with tears. I ran to my mom who concoled me knowing the truth about my seed.

It was 10+ years later when she told me the truth. She said the seed hadn't sprouted so she replaced it with a green bean plant. She never thought i would react so badly.

Me as a gardener, the beginning

My earliest childhood memories are remarkebly from when i was around 3 years old. Im not sure but i think thats pretty young to remember things. I can recall quite a bit though.

The corn field across the road where my dad spent hours on the tractor. I sat on his lap a few times as we did laps around the field.

I recall the old glass front flower shop that we owned and operated.

The little cement bottom pond at our home that had cattails and frogs.

The large family room and fire place adorned with white wicker furniture and orange shag carpet.

I was always surrounded with flowers. If i wasn't at home in the greenhouses then i was at the flower shop in Manistee.

Looking back its impossible to imagine me doing anything else but gardening.