Although not being quite old enough to have actually experienced the phenomenon of the victory gardens in WWI or WWII, the concept came to mind with regard to the current pandemic. During war time, Americans were called on to grow food in whatever space they had. To quote an article in the New York Times: ‘that idea resonates as trips to the grocery store become fraught with fears of coronavirus exposure…’
Unknowingly, I had a victory garden of sorts underway….using kitchen scraps. Weeks ago a sprouted Bermuda onion from my kitchen was the first contribution. Next, potatoes that had begun to sprout were added,
along with some garlic cloves,
then a beet.
Finding that some loose peas had sprouted in the crisper, I dug a shallow trench for them.
I’ve recently done the same with tomato seeds.
Watching, what would have otherwise gone to compost, take root and sprout new life, is satisfying in its own right. Being engaged in a productive activity which may yield food to be shared helps give purpose to these days of isolation.
Please share what is helping to give meaning and purpose to your life as we weather these days together.