Today, as the summer sun of South East Queensland bathes our little slice of paradise in warmth, I’m reminded of the incredible journey each plant takes from a tiny seed to a part of our nourishing feasts. In our subtropical haven, the cycles of planting and harvesting are a rhythm we’ve come to know and love.
Since I was a girl, I’ve dreamt of a life where the distance between the earth and my table was no more than a short walk through the garden. In fact when I was young, it was quite a common thing. Food miles weren’t even considered as most of our food was grown locally. Now, surrounded by a community of fellow dreamers and doers, that life is as real as the herbs and vegetables that thrive in our abundant climate.
Here in the subtropics, our gardening calendar is blessed with a variety of seasons, each offering its unique gifts.
The summers are lush and demanding, with storms that light up the sky (and terrify the Kelpie) and days so warm and humid it feels like we are working in a sauna.
But the reward is the explosion of taste and color; picking tomatoes that burst with flavor, cucumbers crisp and cool, and an array of greens that keep our salads interesting and nutritious.
And let’s not forget the winters, milder here, allowing us to grow through what would be a dormant season elsewhere. The joy of plucking a fresh lemon or harvesting root vegetables to roast is a luxury our climate affords us.
It’s always a gift to go to the garden to harvest the ingredients for a shared feast with family or friends using the Trug bought for me for my birthday by a thoughtful friend last year.
But beyond the feasts, it’s the journey we cherish.
The patience and care it takes to nurture each seed into a plant. The shared wisdom and occasional commiseration over a lost crop. The wonder of watching my granddaughter eat a tomato, still warm from the sun, for the first time.
Living here, in this fertile corner of the world, makes me ever so grateful for the land, the climate, and the community. We are more than gardeners; we are stewards of the abundant, beautiful earth.
It’s always a gift to go to the garden to harvest the ingredients for a shared feast with family or friends.
So, to my fellow cultivators, whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a curious newcomer, let’s continue this journey from seed to feast. Together, we’re not just growing food; we’re growing a way of life.
Until next time,
Lucy