Article 42

THE CASUAL GARDENER, Shawna Coronado

A Child In The Garden

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Dear Casual Gardener,

I’ve been driving by the new garden you’ve been planting and noticed a small child with you. She
was kneeling with you and had a deep look of concentration on her face and you two were holding
something tiny.

I’m terribly nosey! Curb my curiosity and tell me what you’re up to!!!!

Signed,

Nosey Nellie

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Dear Nosey,

:: I am laughing heartily:: Your email tickled me! You are always welcome to stop and ask!

You are right – I have been building a special garden I’m dedicating to the community. It’s located on the
easement property behind my and my neighbors back fence. The entire garden was built by donations of
plants given to me by all my gardening friends. This is a statement about community, friendship and the value I
have found in getting to know people who live near me. Friendships are irreplaceable and a key part of
“Shawna’s Healthy Philosophy” (see my website for more details on the philosophy). It’s been a labor of love
and every time I’m out in that garden I get stopped by lots of people walking by on the path saying how much
they appreciate it. Talk about great motivation to continue!!!

My children have been encouraging me as well. My youngest comes out and helps dig and plant with me. The
other night she set up shop to practice her cartwheels while I was watering. It’s special companionship for me.
At every opportunity I make sure I point out what I find in the soil. I’m sure that’s what you observed. She was
particularly fascinated the other day by a dead Cicada. She spent a lot of time asking about its body parts and
wings – not a bad biology lesson for a first grader. She likes mushrooms, spiders, grubs and we’ve seen
hundreds of worms which she absolutely adores. She has a frightened reaction to some of the bugs, while
others fascinate her. It has been an education for both of us and a delightful one at that.

I encourage my readers to slow down your pace and spend time with your children. It’s been such a joy for me
to garden with my children - I can only imagine it will be for you too. Even more important, I’ve been teaching
my children that sharing something with the community is both an essential and beautiful component to all of
our emotional well being. Sometimes giving to others is its own blessing.

Enjoy the Fall – get out in that garden and share a moment of peace and healthy relaxation with your family!

Please send your gardening questions for Shawna Coronado, The Casual Gardener to
dearshawna@thecasualgardener.com or The Casual Gardener, P.O. Box 358, Warrenville, IL 60555.
www.thecasualgardener.com

The Casual Gardener.com

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