The (dread) Front Yard Gardener

Sunflowers through Buckwheat in my Front Yard Garden

“Some people are front yard gardeners and others are backyard gardeners,” my friend said declaratively as we were driving around town. “Take the guy across from Dreamfields,” he said. “Now he’s a front yard gardener.”

This thought seemed to come out of nowhere but was said with such authority it was clear he’d given it great thought. And, although it was seemingly random, I knew just what he was talking about.

It’s true, some folks revel in having their garden in full view. These are the gardens I marvel at. Wonderfully symmetrical, weed free and perfectly strung for trellised plants and staked for those little buggers that need extra support. I long for this garden. But I am, admittedly, a backyard gardener.

Ah, the psychology of not wanting to be seen. To do the hard work out of the public eye, where one may be judged. To show up with the beautiful fruits of my labor, making it appear effortless and somehow magical. Let me toil in private and only share my successes. This is my dream. And this is how I started my farm ~ away from view.

Then, after much stubbornness and far too many growing seasons, I read my soil map. Oh, that darn soil map. Turns out the best soil (Kempsville ~ a fine, sandy loam) is closest to the road. Yep, right up next to Fleets Bay Road, in front of, oh, everyone! To add insult to injury the soil in the back fields is Othello, which has one distinguishing characteristic ~ 0” above the water table in winter months. Hello, plants drowning and compacted soil.

So, begrudgingly, I am now a front yard gardener. As I bend over to weed and harvest in the heat, everyone is free to observe. This 'being seen' business isn’t going to be easy or pretty but for the love of the farm, it must be done. Perhaps I should swing by the garden across from Dreamfields and pick up some inspiration and a few tips.

Any committed front yard gardeners who want to offer words of wisdom, or any backyard gardeners who can commiserate? I’d love to hear from you, and as always, thanks for stopping by.

Carolyn

#FarmLife