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A Gardener's Notebook: The latest incarnation of my column detailing the trails and tribulations of my garden. Join the list and ask your own questions about gardening Subscribe

As regular readers already know, although AGN focuses on gardening, I tend to talk about a variety of issues that effect the garden. This is especially true of my family. All of us spend so much time in the garden it is impossible to talk about one without the other.

…and he's only 2!

Joseph celebrated his 2^nd birthday on March 7^th, but he is a already an old hand in the garden. Practically since he could walk he has helped his mother and I clean up leaves, install edging and, most importantly, keep our minds open to all the wonderful joys that can exist in the garden. He also helps us water those areas that aren't irrigated automatically. Lately, he has actually been getting more water on the plants than on himself; a big step. Joseph also recently learned how to pull weeds from the pebble garden paths. Since he only works in the pathways this avoids the usual problem of kids not understanding the difference between flowers and weeds. Everything in the paths is a weed so he can rip them up with abandon. While he goes slowly now, this will be an increasingly useful task. I can't keep up with the weeds especially during the summer months. Any help that he can offer is appreciated.

What time is it?

The truth is, a lot of garden work gets done before I ever get up in the morning. My wife, Rosanne, always the morning person, wakes up with Joseph between 6 and 7 AM every day. They then spend several hours together, raking, trimming, watering and playing while I sleep in. I have always been a night person, so I often work until 1 AM. In fact, it is almost midnight as I am writing these words. Both Joseph and Rosanne go to bed early so these hours are my own and free from most distractions. Of course, The New Yankee Workshop, is currently playing on the office television. One cannot live on gardening alone.

During the week Joseph and I usually do a little garden work in the late afternoon, after the errands are done, but before it is time to cook dinner. My big projects are tackled on the weekends when everyone can pitch in. I must admit, though, that lately the "big projects" have been few and far between.

I am sure you find it true in your garden as well, that everyone pitches in on those tasks that interest them most. Without the efforts of everyone our garden would not be the haven it has become. Whether we are using it an outdoor dining room, playground or psychiatric therapy tool the garden has a meaning to all of us because we all have made our mark upon it.

Keep digging! -- Douglas