New things are the cleansing of the spirit. I have helped Maria with her gardens for years, but this year is the first year I have tried doing one all by myself.

I got a raised garden, so I don’t have to kneel – my knees don’t like that and have fended off frost, insects, beetles, and days of soaking rain.

People tell me you’re a gardener when you make your first 50 mistakes. I’m there. I’m thinking about next year.

In the meantime, my garden is everything I wished for. Zinnia’s are Maria’s favorite flower, so that’s why I chose them. One bouquet is on my desk; another is going to the Amish kitchen, a third is going to Maria’s studio.

This was a good idea. Every day, the bed becomes more beautiful.