— A 6-Part Story of Purpose, Passion & Planet-Centred Practice
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Post 3 of 6 – Sweat, Soil & Satisfaction: The Garden That Changed Everything
If powering my home with clean energy and switching to an electric vehicle were the “low-hanging fruit” in my sustainability journey, this next step was by far the hardest but also the most rewarding.
I decided to grow my own food.
What started as a small idea turned into a full home garden and more than that, a deep connection with the land, the food we eat, and the people who grow it. It also gave me a whole new level of respect for the effort it takes to feed a family let alone a community.
However, I must mention that this garden wouldn’t have come to life without the support of Mr. Asquith Lorde. His advice, motivation, and hands-on help especially building trestles and raised beds were invaluable.
Breaking Ground: The Physical Journey
I began by planting fruit trees around the perimeter for shade and long-term yield. Then came vegetable beds, ground crop sacks, hand-built trestles for cucumbers and squash, and a raised herb bed.
I even barrowed in two truckloads of soil myself. Having spent most of my career in an office, with a pen as my primary tool, I’ll admit there were times during this process when I thought about hiring help. But something inside kept saying: “Do the work. Feel the process.” I’m someone who sees things through, and this was personal. It grew beyond a project it became a test of purpose and perseverance.
What’s Growing in the Garden:
• Vegetables: Broccoli, lettuce, kale, cauliflower, eggplant, ochro, green peppers
• Ground Crops: Sweet potatoes, yams, beets (in sacks)
• Climbers: Cucumbers and butternut squash (on trestles)
• Herbs: Rosemary, parsley, marjoram, tomatoes (raised beds)
• Fruit Trees: Soursop, papaya, lime, mango, passion fruit, banana, plantain
Each crop is more than food it’s a symbol of time, care, and a commitment to sustainable living.
A Garden for the Soul
As the garden grew, so did I.
Tending the plants became a quiet ritual a form of therapy. It grounded me emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The garden taught me patience, presence, and gratitude.
“In this process you begin to understand what it truly takes to put food on the table and your respect for farmers and the earth grows deeply.”
This wasn’t just a sustainability project. It was a lesson in humility, wellness, and resilience rooted in green leaves and sun-warmed soil.
Coming Soon:
Post 4 of 6 – Harvest Time: From Garden to Plate
Because the real reward begins when you finally taste what you’ve grown.
