How does my garden grow?

Well, it appears I took a good month off of blogging.

It has been a good month. But I did need the break. Life sorta came at me all of a sudden there. Lots of big changes, lots of momentum, and some pretty hairy challenges thrown in for good measure. I'm sure I'll share more over time.

But enough of that. I want to share about my lovely garden!

Here is the before shot:

Those who know me may laugh, but all the encouraging comments I got as a result of my carnival post about my mom's gardening really inspired me. One day soon after I published that post, Eden and I were out back just putzing around (blowing bubbles, probably) and I stood there and took a good look at my plants. This sounds really funny to me, but I think I was trying to listen to them or pay attention or something (See, I really did internalize those comments!)

Before I knew it I was bending over to pull out the weeds that had sprung up after recent rains. Then I grabbed a pair of shears and started cutting off dead leaves. Suddenly, I was in full-swing gardening mode, with Eden following along behind me mimicking my every move.

I can't believe I'm saying this, either, but I really had a blast cleaning the place up! I didn't mind the scratchy arms or bugs because I felt like I was doing the garden a favor by cleaning it up. I felt it would, in turn, do me a favor by looking nice and helping me grow some food. It was incredibly relaxing, rewarding, and good exercise, too. I didn't wear any special clothes or use any special tools. It was just Eden and I with our hands in the dirt on a beautiful Southern California day in the middle of March.

Eden loves being outside so much; I think gardening is going to be a wonderful way for her and I to spend some time outdoors together after work and on weekends. I'm so happy daylight savings time is here.

So, you saw the before picture above. Here is the after picture:

(Sorry for the poor quality. I took this picture on my cell phone.)

And, a small spoiler alert: Mom did come down to help me plant and I've got some seedlings up. More on that -- later!