Renewal in the Garden and the Passion of Springtime

As the days get longer and the sunlight gets warmer, there's a sense of renewal in the air. Spring, with its vibrant colors, fragrant flowers and promise of new growth, brings out a sense of passion in both the garden and gardener. For those who enjoy working in the soil, Spring can be a time of anticipation, full of the excitement of planning, planting and newness. The garden can become a place of beauty, creativity, and passion for those who tend to it.

Debbie Gomez of San Diego Country Estates is one such gardener who finds sanctuary among her plants. When she was just a little girl, her great-grandmother and mother inspired her to begin a garden. Then, after having children of her own, her interest was renewed, prompting her to learn more. “When my kids were young, I decided to take horticulture classes at Cuyamaca College. I thought it would be easy. However, taking those classes made me realize I didn’t know as much as I thought I did.” Debbie learned an abundance of information that she carried with her throughout her gardening journey.

Nurturing the soil became a priority to Debbie, who said the ground was difficult to dig in at first. “But over the years, we’ve added our own compost, and now our soil is soft and full of life.” Worms and other bugs are plentiful in the rich garden beds, and plants that she forgot about sprout up each year. “It’s rewarding to see something you started with your own hands come to life each year.”

After the Cedar Fire, the county gave out bags of wildflower seeds, and Debbie would take these seeds with her when she hiked around the Estates. “I would spread the seeds all around, and some of those flowers are still blooming in those areas to this day.” 

Gardening is a balance of give and take. What one puts into nature, they will get back, as noted by Debbie tending to her soil over many years. Spring is the opportune time to start a garden of your own and experience the power of planting. Debbie is also part of the Ramona Garden Club, which will be hosting a plant and craft sale on Saturday, May 4, at Ramona Oaks Park from 10 am – 2 pm. If anyone is interested in getting a green thumb, this event is the perfect place to start.