“Chronicles of a Postage Stamp Gardener”

I’m excited to let you know that I’m starting a new section to my blog which will appear frequently. I’ve thought a lot about where my new blog should go, whether or not I should find it a home somewhere out in the blogosphere or keep it right here in the comfy home of CWF. Well, as Dorothy famously exclaimed, there’s no place like home. After all, my garden will be planned with the help of friends, my vegetables will be tended in the company of friends (and sometimes, like when I’m away, by my friends) and of course, there should Hopefully (with a capital H) be many vegetables to cook endless meals with friends from my very own garden.

I’ve never had a green thumb. In fact, it’s kind of on the brown side. Although I grow my own herbs and a handful of vegetables, I’ll admit that I’ve never been great at it and am perpetually envious of other people’s thriving and productive gardens. Let’s just say, in the gardening department, the grass has always been greener on the other side.

Granted, I’ve had some gardening obstacles over the years. My biggest issues involve sun and soil, which from what I understand, are two fairly critical success factors to gardening. The front of my house faces the sunny south, which is great for hanging out on the front porch and lawn, but leaves the backyard lacking in direct sun. Therefore, the more traditional garden carved out of a large patch of sun drenched land has always been out of the question for me. So, I am a skill-challenged gardener with some less than ideal conditions but with the heart and soul to do it.

The title of my new blog, “Chronicles of a Postage Stamp Gardener” will record my escapades (which I can assure you will be plenty!) while attempting to grow a hearty and healthy garden. I’ve chosen Duane Newcomb as my gardening prophet and his book, The Postage Stamp Gardening Book, as my bible. If you’ve never heard of it, don’t panic, you haven’t missed the latest and greatest book in gardening. (Or maybe you have but give me a few months to give it a go!) The book was published in 1975 and I’m in possession of a very worn and tattered copy; a birthday gift from my Mom and Dad, both of whom are well aware of my determination to succeed at gardening.

Apparently, my childhood garden, which graced the front lawn of my cookie cutter suburban split level home, was designed and sustained with the guidance of this very book. Although the neighbors weren’t happy with the taboo front yard garden, my parents were proud growers and credit The Postage Stamp Gardening book for much of their success.

So, if you’ve ever had an interest in growing your own food, tune in to my new blog and if you’re adventurous, grab a spade and rake and join in — we can garden virtually together! I’d love some company.