Time for a hello

I've been lurking... a lot. Must admit it's fun, entertaining and extremely informative.

So, anyway, I've unofficially been a farmer since moment one. My dad was a farmer in SW Kansas and I was born on the farm. My mom always had a garden and so did my grandparents. Yet, with work and kids, I never set aside time for gardening until a few years ago when I did a small plot about 4x12 with a little row garden. My success was minimal! No surprise, right? It also only lasted a short time before I gave up on it and let the weeds enjoy.

My husband kept bringing up SFG and the original version. Then he bought ANSFG and *made* me read, two chapters per night. Luckily easy reading, and interesting. Next thing I knew, we were registered for the SC Symposium and they say the rest is history. Ok, recent history. SFG is amazing, it's thought provoking, it's family oriented, and most importantly, it's successful!

On Mothers Day, I helped my daughter and her family set up a couple boxes. Each step of the way was explained as we went. The most amazing thing has been watching the little guy (2 in March) take care of the "babies". He talks to the plants, he waters them, and yes, he's also harvested radishes. He is so proud of the garden. Their elderly neighbor is coming over to the fence and being like the Tool Time neighbor. Peering over, talking across the fence, amazed at the success. To see a young family work together with the garden is awesome.

Our garden is also doing well. My next door neighbor is constantly working in her flower beds and came to look at the garden. She said "those are the healthiest tomato plants I've ever seen". My other neighbors (including the master gardener) are turning heads as they pass. My co-worker and carpool partner is wondering why we would put flowers in it. Yet, she's also seen things grow and said recently it really is magic soil.

So overall, thank you Mel, SFG Foundation, and all other SFG gardeners. You are all an incredible bunch of people with a wealth of knowledge worth sharing.

Welcome aboard! So glad you decided to join in the fun! I likely don't need to tell a superlurker like yourself any of the standard stuff. So, I'll just hope I see you become an active poster.

SW KS, huh? I'm a SE KS transplant, myself. I grew up in Independence...about an hour and a half east of Wichita. I knew a guy from Liberal in college. How close to Liberal were you?

I've been through Liberal many times. Grew up in Ulysses, about 30 mi from CO and OK. Definitely flat land with lots of crops. Now I'm in N GA, with tons of trees in all directions.

Anyone that thinks KS is flat hasn't seen eastern CO....lol. I still get sore when I hear people say that. But, I grew up in a part of KS with hills. The eastern 1/3 of the state is more than tolerable aesthetically.

Pam

So, if you went to the symposium, are you now a Certified SFG Instructor?

Great that you helped your daughter learn the joys of a SFG. This really is a family oriented method, and obviously it helps bring in the neighbors too. Your grandson is a doll, I can't wait until my youngest GS (he will be 1 in two weeks) is big enough to reach up to my Table Tops and help his Nani, hopefully next summer.

Enjoy, and please keep us posted on your progress.

Again, Welcome

Yes, my husband and I are part of the group of newly certified teachers from the Columbia class. Victoria, Alan and Belinda were terrific teachers and the group learning environment was so beneficial.

In the news and products section, there's information on a planned trip to Peru and Mexico. To know the ability first hand of them as teachers, and to see their belief in the system is something we all need to be supportive of.

Our group included members of Homeless Helping Homeless and it really brought home the goals of the foundation. Teach others so they may feed themselves. A hand up, not a hand out. We can all make a difference, one person or group at a time.

Welcome Pam so glad you have started posting.