Guerrilla Gardening

“I don’t plant it, if I can’t eat it!” – Goober Orsted

When one considers vegetable gardening in Northern Door, one must first and foremost consider the limitations of one’s site and the overwhelming number of pests waiting to pounce upon whatever does manage to germinate. Shallow soil devoid of organic matter, a consistent lack of rainfall that can’t be made up for with alkaline-heavy well water, the long and cold springs, in addition to the low nighttime temperatures through the summer all conspire against the garden. Defeating the remaining effort is the army of Bambis, Thumpers, and A Bug’s Life characters!

With all the aforementioned problems, why would anyone want to dally in veggies, especially when one considers that 100 square feet of veggies isn’t worth the dirt it’s planted in, whereas 100 square feet of ornamental perennials can have an actual dollar amount attached to it? Don’t believe it? Go to the farmers market and pick up a gallon pot’s worth of produce and check the price. Now, go to your local nursery and check out a gallon pot’s worth of perennials. ‘Nough said!

However, there is at least one brave soul out there willing to run the gauntlet. Not only has this green thumb decided to spit in the face of reality, but her doing so is way out of character. “Wendy Goldstone” and “horse manure” are words that would simply never be uttered in the same sentence. For Pete’s Sake, she’s a misplaced Miamian with a standing appointment at Glow Nail Salon! Yet, here she is fully equipped with organized seed trays atop heated germination pads under full spectrum grow lights. Her germination chambers yielding to flats hardening-off in her cold frame, all awaiting the final day when outside is warm enough for transplanting. Finally, as she walks through the garden reeling off variety names that have been direct sown, she is positively bursting with pride. Who’d a thunk it?!?

Spring has sprung and we are all eternally hopeful. Thanks, for the inspiration, Wendy!