My parents always grew some flowers and tomatoes, for a while a raspberry patch. But it wasnt til I was 16 that I raised my own patch of giant marigolds from seeds. I watered them cheerfully til they germinated but started to lose interest, dad made me stick to it and water them daily. Then I went on a 3 week Girl Scout trip and dad agreed to water my plants for me while I was gone---what a surprise when I returned to see 5-foot tall blooming plants! I was hooked from then on, always had a garden even when in apartments. When we got our first house in Buffalo NY had a friendly neighbor who helped me learn how to set up lights and domed trays to really accomplish a lot. When we moved south I really enjoy the long growing season and all the salvias and warm zone plants. I'm 52 now and daughtets are young adults, they love to visit and have home grown food and sometimes I bring them gifts of fresh pesto or Carolina Reaper peppers for the boyfriend. Gardening is a big part of what makes our house a home!
