UPDATE — Best Hobby for Retirees – Gardening!

An Update on My Parent’s Gardening Adventure.

A few months ago, I asked my mother if she would be able to write a blog about the little community garden that she started from the remains of an old military training ground. It had been a couple of months since she started the garden. I asked her how the garden was doing. Here is the update that she sent me.

Aloha All,


It’s been a few months since my husband and I starting a garden so I thought it was time to give you an update.  


Our garden is doing great. Since my last blog, the following veggies have grown in the garden and been harvested.  My garden currently consists of lettuce, bell peppers, long green beans, kale, beets, eggplant and okra. I also have several plants (two rows) of tapioka, which are not ready for picking.  In another corner of the garden, I have two papaya trees, dragon fruit and a couple of hot pepper plants. I am truly loving our garden.



When we started the garden, I was looking forward to sharing the fruits of our hard labor with my cousin who was a chef and would shop at farmer’s markets every weekend.  Sadly, passed away suddenly without being able to enjoy all the natural vegetables except for the lettuce.



But because there are only two of us here at home, I share the fruits of our garden with my other son, who is a Vegan, and a few of my neighbors.



We had also signed up for a 2nd plot, which I was going to have my cousin till for his growing preference.  In his honor, I will keep the garden and plant additional plants that I knew he intended to grow, which would include several more various of hot pepper as well as bitter melon.



I’ve never really enjoyed the taste of bitter melon as I was growing up, but as an adult my cousin would prepare various dishes with bitter melon and I began loving the taste of it.  I may also add another section against the wall of dragon fruit — I love this fruit.


I will continue to grow tomatoes, green onions, and various herbs at home as these are easier and closer to grab when I need them.


Until next time, happy gardening.


Lucky to live in Hawaii,


Elaine