It starts with a few tomato seeds. Before you know it, a load of dirt has been delivered and flowers are planted and mulch is spread and an urban garden begins. Here, in what has been referred to as “Midtown Valdosta,” the gardens of an old house, circa 1906, are being restored and renewed.
The 10-foot camellias and heirloom azaleas are being rescued from the clutches of the Smilax vines. These opportunistic vines seem almost to have a mind of their own as they seek out places to latch onto with their tendrils. They change shape and color in their growth as they creep into every nook and cranny. The early shoots look and taste like asparagus. I believe Euell Gibbons would have devoted a whole chapter to this strange creature. The root of the Sarsaparilla (Smilax officinalis) has many uses and is now being marketed in health food stores.
The birds especially enjoy the fresh-turned earth and the leaf mold. The morning chorus starts before daybreak and is a delight to hear. The five new blueberry bushes, purchased at Harvey’s Supermarket for 6.99, were already filled with ripe blueberries. The birds delight in snipping off the small new growth. Netting will have to be used next year to save a few berries for cereal and muffins.
The small pond has a few goldfish and an excellent population of tadpoles. The frogs serenaded for weeks and the offspring are doing well. A large flowering plant was allowed to grow near the pond and appears to be a native hibiscus with large bright red torpedo-shaped blooms. It is killed by the cold but comes back bigger and better each spring. This is its third year of prolific growth.
The climate is conducive to year-round growth and plans are for cole and lettuce crops for the winter. Perhaps a few potatoes also will be attempted in the old compost piles.
The garden is addictive but at least it is a good addiction.
