Bounty from the Garden

March 29, 2018 Scott Rifkin, MD

Corn and tomatoes picture courtesy Jeff Lowe, Flickr

Dear Readers,

Audrey Hepburn said, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” Every winter, in my deepest seasonal low, I find solace in planning my spring vegetable garden. I decide where the corn and tomatoes will be. I plan around the direction of the sun and good crop rotation practices. My mailbox fills with colorful catalogues from seed companies.

The process gives me hope.

As spring approaches, I can’t wait to get my hands into the dirt. I moved last year, so I have now built new virgin beds. Fresh soil laid into raised cedar frames. The hope of no weeds or pests in the first year. The soil is rock-free and can be worked by hand. There is nothing more relaxing than digging a small hole into light airy soil with one’s own hands.

I started the garden many years ago as a father-daughter project. My then-6- year-old daughter grew bored quickly but I found relief in the dirt from the stresses of a medical practice. Watching a seed grow into a plant and then into something as divine as fresh corn seemed to be the antidote to watching patients die from diseases I couldn’t cure.

My daughter is engaged to be married this summer. My oldest son and his wife just gave birth to my first grandchild. My parents approach their 90s and I am blessed to have them see these wonderful events.

Sometime this summer, I’ll pick the first ears of sweet hybrid corn from the garden. I’ll drop the ears into a pot of boiling water within minutes. The family will be on the back porch, and together, four generations of Rifkins will rejoice in their love and the bounty from the garden.

How lovely the outdoors can be. I hope you enjoy this “Outdoor Issue” of Jmore.

Best Wishes,
Scott Rifkin, MD
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