Greens for the Soul

I can't quite explain how much I love my little raised bed of green food in my back yard. I realize that tending a garden isn't exactly revolutionary. Sure - farmers have been doing it every day, all year long for centuries. I mean... it's no secret that when you stuff a seed in the ground and feed it soil, water and sun, it will grow. But oh-me-oh-my, it's still such a miracle, isn't it?

The seeds I sowed in the deep dark of late December on my studio windowsill are thriving now. I'm harvesting 5 varieties of mixed lettuces, Red Russian Kale, America Spinach and swiss chard. I also have a nice little bunch of basil, rosemary, thyme and sage. When I began considering a backyard veggie garden, I was nervous. I usually kill most delicate green things - not out of neglect, but of ignorance. To see my raised bed doing so well is astonishing to me. To say I'm a proud mama is an understatement.

This week, I've been juicing and eating my backyard crop with glee. Every salad I serve my family seems like a giddy experimental party. Its as if I'm getting away with something I shouldn't. I look at my nightly intake of organic fresh-cut greens and tally the Whole Foods bill in my head. I announce, "This would have cost me $6.50!" My family smiles and nods and continues chewing. "And this here, this would have been $3.80 a bunch!" More quiet smiles. They must surely think I'm batty. And the truth is I am!

I love being in the garden. I love meditating on the expanding size of my little plants. I love knowing that I started everything from organic heirloom seeds. I love the taste - oh my God the incredible taste! - of fresh lettuce. I love growing my own food. I could break into song...