July:
Learning as We Grow
July in Wisconsin is a symphony of green - raised beds stretching out in neat rows, tomato vines reaching for the sun, and the quiet hum of everything growing at once. This year, we changed our layout and gave the tomatoes more room to breathe, remembering how quickly they like to take over every summer.
I’m still very much learning how to garden. Every season feels like a new chapter in the same book - familiar, but never quite the same story twice. Some days I feel confident, and other days I’m reminded how much I don’t know, but that’s part of what keeps me coming back to the garden.
The herb garden is truly my sanctuary, providing flavors that last long after the first frost. We start by tucking basil, thyme, and oregano into sunny spots, watching them flourish into fragrant bushes. Once they are lush, I harvest bunches on dry mornings, snip them gently, and tie them with simple twine. Layering these bundles on drying racks in the kitchen lets the air do the work, naturally preserving their scents. Once the leaves feel crisp to the touch, I crumble them into glass jars, knowing these little bits of summer will be ready to warm our soups and stews all through the winter months.
We’ve had our share of surprises, too. Our first attempt at growing broccoli started out strong, with big, healthy leaves and tight little heads forming - until we discovered cabbage worms had moved in. It was disappointing to see those careful plants get chewed, but I’m learning that this is part of gardening naturally. When we avoid strong pesticides, we’re choosing to share the garden with the rest of creation, even when it costs us a little.
There have been bright spots, too- an amazing harvest of green beans, tomato plants loaded with still-green fruit, and herbs drying in the kitchen. Beetles and little bugs nibble here and there, but we’re learning to accept a few imperfections in exchange for a garden that’s alive with birds, bees, and all the tiny neighbors we share it with. My dahlias and zinnias are beginning to bloom, reminding me that flowers nourish the soul just as vegetables nourish the body. This month, I’m holding onto progress instead of perfection and trusting that every season has something new to teach.
🌿 This Month’s Reflection
“The garden doesn’t ask for perfection -
only that we keep showing up, season after season, with open hands and a willing heart.”