Marion is an inspiration in the garden. I met her three years ago (where did the time go?)and have loved getting to know her. I love seeing what she harvests and getting quick video tours of her garden.
She has a townhouse in the suburbs and has created a lovely vegetable garden in her backyard, is growing beautiful roses out front and has her own secret pumpkin patch.
Marion grows a number of fruits and vegetables, from eggplant and peppers to kale and brussels sprouts, but it’s her pumpkins that have really caught my eye. I’ve been amazed all summer as I’ve seen her beautiful harvests, but when she sent me this picture with her pumpkin, I was so excited. She has a pumpkin!
It turned out to be more than one pumpkin. She has a whole pumpkin patch! What’s even more fun, it’s a secret one. Entering her garden, you’ll see all the amazing crops growing and a few pumpkins, but open the back gate and a pumpkin patch is hiding on the other side. There’s something magical about that.
I love Marion’s gardening style. She seems to really connect with her garden. I sat down to ask her a few questions to see if she could share some of her gardening insights.
What motivates you to garden?
Watching my garden grow and being able to eat vegetables that I grow with my hands motivates me to continue to grow food in my garden.
How long have you been gardening?
I have been gardening for about 6 years.
Tell us a little bit about the space you garden in?
I have a very small backyard garden and I also grow food on the side of the garden in pots.
What is a favorite memory that you have from the years you’ve been growing in your space?
My favorite memory is the first time I was able to grow enough produce to can, so that my family could have a taste of the garden all year long.
What are the main challenges that you’ve faced in your garden?
Bugs and squirrels! The struggle is real for many of us.
If you were stuck on an island and could only grow one vegetable or fruit or herb, what variety would you pick and why?
Eggplant is my favorite vegetable to eat and I love the beautiful purple flower the plant produces before the fruit has formed. I could eat that every day.
Do you have any rituals or routines in the garden?
I like to touch all my plants with my bare hands. I know it seems silly but I believe all living things can use a little love, even plants.
If you were to give a piece of advice to someone who is just starting to get their hands dirty, what would that be?
Just do it! You will learn what works as you go and will gain experience as you continue to garden throughout the years.
Do you have any gardening secrets to share?
Composting is my favorite way to get my soil healthy for my plants.
