The 6x8 garden

space, light, texture and taste.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Erin: Iowa, United States; I'm part hobbit, part Jedi, and a lacto-ovo vegetarian.

I grew up in rural Illinois living a typical farm-kid life — exploring, raising animals and helping my mom around the house and in the garden. When I went to college for landscape architecture, a venture fueled by my love of art and the outdoors, I found I missed certain parts of the country lifestyle.

While in school I first lived in a dorm and then in a basement apartment with my husband. My studies included plants and designing gardens, but my gardening was limited to a few houseplants.

Our post-college, grown-up-a-bit-more apartment gave us a little room to stretch and enjoy the sunshine. My garden started from an innate desire to create, be independent, and take a step toward sustainability.

Today, my garden helps feed my husband and I, gives me a sense of personal accomplishment and provides me with the kind of “green” therapy that I used to take for granted. I hope my garden will inspire others who wish to garden, but don’t think they can because they don’t have a yard or traditional garden space. In some ways it’s easier, in others it’s harder, and it’s all worth it.

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