The Bronx is Beautiful

Hello!  After a brief haitus, I'm back with good news.  I got a plot at the local community garden for the summer!  I've been busy busy lately on the weekend--first I took a trip to hike Mt. Washington, then I went to Maine for Memorial Day weekend.  But last weekend I spent some quality time in the garden.  I can't explain what a wonderful oasis Fordham Bedford Lotbusters is.  The garden is about 10 blocks away from my apartment but when I get there I feel miles and miles away from New York.  Here are some pictures from the garden:

I'm sharing the plot with my neighbor Tiffany.  We are both really excited to have our own plot--I haven't had such a big area to plant in since I was living in Maine almost 3 years ago.  We may have bitten off more than we can chew, but we bought a lot of plants and are deciding what else to put in our plot, here are some photos of the plot--it's a raised bed:

So far, we have two broccoli plants, four pepper plants, some romaine lettuce, four cucmbers, and four basil.  There is room for some tomatoes and zuccinis and maybe a few other herbs.  It's very exciting, but I do feel nervous about the cucumbers and broccoli since I've never planted those before.  Whatever happens, I think Tiffany and I are both going to learn a lot from the experience--and hopefully enjoy a lot of yummy food from our efforts.

Although gardening can be a bit of work, I find it to also be incredibly relaxing and I always feel as though I am in a meditative state while at work there.  Problems and worries melt away and suddenly every part of me--mind and body--is in the moment, not thinking about the past or the future.  I can't promise the garden will be a spectacular success, but I honestly enjoy the process as much as I enjoy the tangible rewards.  I'll keep you posted on my efforts as the summer wears on!