Lessons from the Garden
“Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower.”– John Harriga
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It’s “all things flowers” this time of year on the farm. We are now in what I would call the “watch the flowers grow” season. Packs, pots, hanging baskets, and deck containers have all been filled, and with each passing day, it seems there are new blooms to spot, measured growth to observe, and excitement building as we look forward to sharing all the beauty with you—our truly beloved customers.
Yesterday, we began filling up the flower house beside the farmstand in preparation for our Mother’s Day weekend opening. It’s a big chore, but always an enjoyable one because it means the finish line is in sight. Flowers have such a positive impact on our well-being, both emotionally and physically. They reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function. They trigger emotions like happiness and gratitude, and their vibrant colors and scents create a calming, peaceful environment.
More than ever, I’ve become deeply aware of the vital role flowers play in the lives of those of us living in the Northeast Kingdom—where our growing season is short and winter often feels like it’s just around the corner, even before spring fully arrives. I see it in your faces when you walk into the flower house and are greeted by all that color and fragrance. Your smiles, the peacefulness and joy that come over you—it’s very evident. I see it, too, in the landscape around our farm as I drive through the surrounding area. It all makes the long days and months of growing feel so worth it.
Now that the flowers are happily growing, our focus on the farm shifts to the gardens, as we race to the finish line of getting our first round of vegetables planted. We start in the unheated tunnels and gradually move outside. Just yesterday, we put nearly 400 lettuce transplants in the ground! As we were transplanting, I was struck by how thankful I am for another year of doing what I love—and doing it with Brian, side by side. It’s an unspeakable gift to spend so much time together in this shared work (well, most of the time—haha). We’re keenly aware of how brief life can be, and we’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to do this together in a new way.
And yes—peas are planted! Both shell and snap! I cannot say how excited I am. I hope you all will be too. It was a sad day when we decided to pause growing peas for a while, since they’re the most labor-intensive crop ever—but oh, they are so worth it. Spinach, scallions, beets, salad mixes, radishes, kale, and soon carrots (going in today!) are all underway. We’re also sowing seeds for six-packs you can use in your home gardens.
This time of year, with so much happening, there are definitely days when Brian and I look at each other and wonder how we’re going to get it all done. But amidst the busyness, the many personal lessons I’ve learned over the years are not lost. Whether I’m running my hands through the soil, going barefoot in the warm tunnels, marking out beds, or pulling early weeds—so many life lessons reveal themselves in the everyday work.
The first that comes to mind is **work** itself. Steve Jobs once said, *“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”* It’s true. But even when you love what you do, the lessons can run deep. There’s a lot of “thinking time” in the garden, and the garden is a great teacher. Here are a few of my favorites:
Patience
In the world of gardening, the time it takes for a seed to germinate and grow until harvest can take up half—or even all—of our short summer season. In a world that has grown so impatient, where everything feels instant, gardening slows us down. It encourages us to savor the small moments while we anticipate the bigger ones. It cultivates calmness over urgency.
Gratitude
Gratitude for the bounty the soil brings. Gratitude that I’m alive to do this work for another season. Gratitude that not only our own family but so many in the community get to enjoy food grown right here—“just harvested nutrition” that nourishes both body and spirit. That’s a huge part of why we do this. Honestly, if not for that reason, we’re not sure we would’ve chosen this life. There are certainly easier careers that pay better, but few offer this kind of satisfaction and meaning.
Adaptability
Plants are masters of adaptability. Have you ever noticed how they bend and sway with the wind, reach for the sun, and adjust to their environment? Life throws similar challenges at us. Being adaptable—learning to bend without breaking—is essential to not only survive but thrive. The garden reminds me that it’s about choice. We can’t always control our circumstances, but we can choose how we respond.
This past summer showed us that vividly. Our community faced so much devastation from flooding. People had to adapt—some, sadly, to an entirely new way of life. But what we also witnessed was incredible resilience.
I could go on and on with all the lessons this farming life has taught—and continues to teach—Brian and me. We are stronger because of this work, and it has shaped who we are. When you see us at the farmstand, tired but smiling, helping you load up your hanging baskets or making a last-minute run to grab some greens for your dinner, know this: our hearts are full. Full of gratitude, full of joy, and full of the deep satisfaction that comes from knowing we’re making life a little more beautiful, nourishing, and whole—for you, and for ourselves.
We’re most thankful that so many of you in this community and beyond have chosen **Somers Family Farmstand** as your go-to for all things veggies and flowers.
Continuing on in our farming life,
Kathy
PS — See you all in a few weeks!
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