A Little Weeder Digs Up Life Lessons

Our grandson Henri of Atlanta spent three weeks in New England, the last week with Lyn and me here in Country Connecticut. Like most 7-year-olds, he logs heavy hours watching TV, computers and assorted other screens.

He also weeds.

In fact, this summer he asked for and received his own personal trowel, making good use of it during his stay that ended Saturday. He certainly was the most enthusiastic weeder in this house, proudly displaying weed prey.

In addition to helping and motivating this ol' gardener, Henri, radiant with eagerness and accomplishment, also demonstrated the power of gardening. I've always believed a child who is encouraged to garden learns lessons about life, including nurturing, growth, work, love, joy – and yes, sometimes heartbreak.

That child also gets the experience of seeing nature close-up, gaining some understanding of how people and plants, animals and insects interact and depend on one another. Learning too that food does not grow in supermarkets.

Any young one who gardens is not likely to be one who goes through the world dead-eyed, slack-jawed, disconnected from others, growing up to hit people over the head and take their money.

There may be some who do, but I'm betting my last trowel that Henri Germaine won't be one of them.