Before I was able to add myself to the lease for the new apartment, I had to meet with the property manager, a wonderful woman from Alabama who met me for coffee. “What is it that you do?” she asked, and I told her all about the job that brings in the money.
Later, I mentioned something about this blog. “One of the things I’m most excited about,” I said, “is that patio—I’m hoping I can grow tomatoes.”
“You’re a gardener?” she said. “I’m a gardener, too.”
She proceeded to tell me about another tenant, one who grows prodigious plants on her balcony, and about the sunlight I should expect to get, which might make tomatoes problematic, but should be fine for plenty of other edibles.
“I have plants in my garden that people tell me I should pull out,” she said. “I can’t do it, though. I figured they’ve stayed with me and survived so long, I can’t possibly get rid of them.”
I understand. If it hadn’t died on me before I left, I would have tried to bring my Iowa lavender plant with me to California.
When she left, we both said what a pleasure it had been to meet each other. And it was. Back before I started growing things, I never thought it would be possible to connect with someone over plants, but the readers of this blog proved me wrong on that front from the get-go. My new property manager? Just another incarnation of that same garden-connection effect.
on Feb 9th, 2010 at 8:18 am
This is such a sweet post! It is always a joy to meet another gardener… especially I would think for you in your new home… and one that truly loves her plants. There are not many degrees of separation between us all! ;>)
on Feb 9th, 2010 at 8:53 am
Carolflowerhill, definitely — there is a sense of recognition there that is very comforting.
on Feb 9th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
I truly believe in the garden-connection effect, and thank you for putting it into words. Some of my best, long-term, long-distance friends are through gardening. Between that and knitting, I won’t ever want for friends!
on Feb 9th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Eva, that’s an excellent situation in which to be.
on Feb 9th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
We’re all looking forward to reading about you in the garden again. And it sounds like you have found a building of many kindred spirits.
on Feb 9th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
What did she say that makes tomatoes so problematic? One of my favorite varieties is Stupice (Czech heirloom). I grew them when we lived in Oakland 15 years ago. It does well in our climate. It’s a smaller tomato, but with great taste and a good producer.
I just got seeds in the mail last week. Willing to share.
on Feb 10th, 2010 at 10:30 am
Thanks for all your great links!
on Feb 16th, 2010 at 11:47 am
Lydia, I hope so — apparently there’s someone on another floor that has a veritable jungle on her tiny balcony!
Scott, I think the problem is just whether the patio gets enough direct sunlight for tomatoes. I love Stupice, too — I will be in touch re: seeds!
Dirty Girl Gardening, you’re welcome!