By Kylie Blanchard, Staff Writer
I have to admit, when reading the spring issue of North Dakota Horizons magazine, I found the article about Don Vitko's gift of his collection of 6,000 cacti to the International Peace Gardens simply astonishing. (Vitko is pictured at the left with some of his collection.) This is an incredible gift to one of the state's most beautiful landmarks and it will surely be enjoyed for many years. But I again have to admit, a majority of my astonishment revolved around the fact that Vitko kept 6,000 plants alive and some thriving for decades. In my book, this also qualifies as amazing.
I will be the first to say I don't have a green thumb. Not even a shade of the palest light green resides anywhere on my thumb, and my husband, family and friends will attest to this statement. In years past, I have tried my hand at plant-rearing, but it usually ended in my throwing away a crispy brown, wilted plant with my sincere apologies as I lifted the garbage lid or my forcibly "gifting" the plant to someone when it drooped, sagged and thirsted but still stood a chance.
But it appears, recently, some changes in my plant-rearing abilities may be taking root. I have officially had a plant alive (and possibly thriving, as it needs to be re-potted) in my care for over a year. This plant was given to me following my appendectomy last spring; however, I didn't take note of what kind it was before the tag was thrown so it has since been lovingly referred to as my "Appendix Plant." I have (pretty consistently) watered the plant and moved it into the right position around the house to receive the best 'moderate sunlight,' something I do remember from the tag, and it is now spilling over its sizable pot. A victory in my book.
This small success has now given me some of the confidence I need to venture into a new realm of plant care - a summer garden. I realize this is a big jump, but I have always envied those who talk about the fresh vegetables they enjoy nightly during the summer and the frozen stockpile they amass for the winter. I also think the best way to learn something is to just dive in and do it, and our short North Dakota summers offer a perfect opportunity for a crash course in gardening. Maybe it's all wishful thinking, but I guess we'll find out.
To put some minds at ease, I should mention I am not going to be caring for this garden alone. My
husband, who grew up with a large garden at his parents' house, and my dad, whose summer gardens and yard full of plants and flowers flourish each season, have committed to the efforts as well. But I know my very un-green thumb will play a large role in pulling up sod, working the dirt, planting the seeds, weeding, watering and, finally, eating fresh vegetables. (Like those pictured at the right from Riverbound Farm in Mandan, also featured in the spring issue of Horizons.)
Now as spring begins to creep ever-so-slowly across North Dakota, my excitement and nervousness at this new venture is growing. There is still snow covering the plot in our backyard now designated the garden, but my husband and I have already started talking about what we look forward to eating this summer. I know growing a garden in North Dakota isn't always easy, but there are many who have succeeded year after year and generation after generation. And I know for my first summer as a gardener, my plant number will definitely be below 6,000. Instead, I've decided, I'll be happy with a few carrots, beans and potatoes, and a surviving "Appendix Plant." I'll keep you posted.
