I guess I should break the news - We're moving.
Though I'm still getting used to the idea, it seems certain now that we'll soon say goodbye to the garden I'd started less than three years ago. Though it's extremely sad, in the back of my mind, I've long considered gardens to be temporary things. Years ago, I remember returning to one of my childhood homes, now located in a particularly dilapidated section of Philadelphia, to find that my dad's once beautiful garden had been reduced to bare earth, weeds and broken concrete. Though I'm hoping that the future owners of our home will choose to keep the garden and that it will bring them as much joy as it has brought me, I won't be too devastated if the space is eventually returned to lawn. In a way, it's strangely comforting to know that at least for a brief time, this particular patch of earth was worked and productive.
So where to now? Marc, Jonathan and I are relocating to Burlington, Vermont in January. Marc has a great job waiting for him there and my employer is letting me work part of the time from home. I'll still be commuting several times a month to Boston. We plan on renting for at least the next couple of years so I'm hoping to get a plot at one of the city's community gardens. Hopefully there won't be a long waiting list and I'll get to meet other avid veggie gardeners in the area.
In many ways, I'm excited about the move. Burlington, Vermont has long been a place that has embraced small farms and the local food movement. I'm also looking forward to exploring the surrounding towns and of course Canada. Burlington is only 40 minutes away from the Canadian border by car and I've heard that Montreal (an hour and a half away) is a great city to visit. My only reservation is that I'll be loosing about a month of gardening time since Burlington and most of state lies within climate zone 4. I also doubt that I'll be doing much winter gardening in Vermont. But this seems minor in comparison to all of the wonderful new things we'll get to experience.
Whether we'll decide to settle in Vermont permanently or return to Massachusetts after a couple of years, in the end, I think this will be great adventure for us. I hope you all will keep reading and come along for the ride!
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You are going to love Burlington Vermont! Your new home is lovely and I'm sure you'll figure out how to deal with the gardening weather up there.
ReplyDeleteIt's about time you did this post!
I grew up in neighboring New Hampshire and visited VT often. Gardening will be different than what you are used to. Not only is it several zones away, but the lake has a large affect on the climate. Luckily, there are tons of farms and farmer's markets around. I am very excited for you, Marc and Jonathan.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your move!
ReplyDeleteWow, time for change. I can't wait to see what you do this year. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteI left my lovely little garden behind with an early spring move this year, and wasn't able to garden this summer, but have permission from our condo board to organize a community garden in a large unused corner of the property. Okay we're in zone *3* but I gardened here before and can again. You'll find (or make) a way Jon! And a move is always a chance to stretch our limits and grow our own selves. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWow that is big news! Congrats to Marc and your family. I'm glad you're able to do this. You seem very excited. We wish you the very best, and we sure will keep reading and be along for the ride.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of the upheaval, but I'm sure you'll enjoy "digging in" in Vermont :)
ReplyDeleteBut, moving forward is better than stagnating - and who knows what path you'll travel on this new venture. Wishing you all, all the best with the move.
As long as you're together - you've gotta win :)
Brrrrrrr. Wow. Big news.
ReplyDeleteAre you taking the citrus trees?
When do you make the trek?
Oh I understand because I too recently moved. But it is exciting all at the same time... I wish you well and hope your new adventure is awesome! And I will keep reading.
ReplyDeleteThanks for comments and well wishes everyone!
ReplyDeleteMarie - We're making the trek January 7th. Of course I'm taking the citrus trees! I would cry if they had to stay behind.
Hi Thomas! I'm here cheering you onward!!!
ReplyDeleteBurlington and the surrounding area is so beautiful. Lots of people have very successful gardens in the colder regions. Just takes some different techniques. The hoop house will come in very handy.
Congratulations to Marc on his new job!
I'll be waiting to hear all about your new place.
Wow, how exciting for you all! A move is always exciting. Hey you might get into container gardening. And just remember, the blog is here in cyberspace, and so are all of us, and we'll read all about your new adventures, no matter where they take you!
ReplyDeleteIts hard leaving your garden behind! When we moved a couple of years ago I drove to the new house with my little car full of pots - herbs, fruit trees and precious plants that I wanted to keep. The removalists thought I was mad! I had a little pot garden for months until we built the new garden. I'm planning to start my orchard in pots too, so that they can move again if necessary.
ReplyDeleteforgot to say good luck with your move! And choosing which plants to take with you :)
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for you, that area is beautiful! I wish you much success in finding a buyer, listing a house these days is not for the weak LOL, I should know, but now we're in the same boat so we can commiserate haha. I think this will be an exciting year coming up for you!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your move! You are way more zen about leaving behind all your hard work than I was. We moved two years ago, and have gotten our new garden off to a roaring start, and I *still* get teary thinking of what we left behind sometimes. Can't wait to see what you come up with so far north!
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting adventure you have ahead of you! Of course, I'll be following and loving everything you write, same as I always have!
ReplyDeleteBurlington is a great great town!!! That is so exciting! I hope you enjoy yourself and also hope we get to enjoy your chronicles from VT via this blog :-)
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your move and new adventure...and just remember their is always container gardening!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear about your new adventure. I spent four years in Vermont attending college and Burlington is a wonderful city. I dream of moving back some day, and I know your family will love exploring all the wonderful things Vermont has to offer.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new adventure! I garden in zone 4, occasionally 3 (depends on the winter!) and eat well from the garden. It presents it's own challenges but is certainly possible : )
ReplyDeletePS - you've inspired me to try growing some citrus
OMG..that's one big move! it's so sad to have to leave ur beautiful garden..but hopefully, there'll be more good things coming at the new place...all the best to u n ur family...keep on doing a great job in the garden....:)
ReplyDeleteI can totally understand what you are going through... I will be moving too by the end of next month... All the best for your new adventure. Happy moving!
ReplyDeleteI'm originally from Montréal, and yes, it is a great city to visit! I'm so excited to see what you'll do in your new gardening world!
ReplyDeleteJohanne
A new garden awaits you somewhere in this next phase of your life. Definitely track down a community garden plot and get on the list ASAP. Exciting changes and hopefully when the dust all settles your lives will land somewhere where you have a wee bit of land to garden on.
ReplyDeleteHi Thomas,
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog for a while and really enjoy your writing - thank you. I am going to miss your garden too! I am growing veggies in zone 2 in Alberta, so you will be just fine with zone 4. Good luck with the new adventure.
Jean
A new adventure! I know you'll find a way to garden, no matter how small or temporary. I look forward to watching it. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteWhen a move is involuntary it's often a sad thing. But when it's something you choose it's exciting, and I'm glad this is your case. I'm sure you'll be able to make the best of whatever gardening conditions you have and I hope you'll continue to let us tag along.
ReplyDelete(I hope the dogs will be going to Vermont too!)
congratulations on all of this fun news! be sure to check out the NOFA-VT conference in February, held in Burlington. totally fun group of kindred spirits!
ReplyDeleteand maybe sometime you guys can come down to see our "bit of earth" off of exit 4 on interstate 89. (we think vermont is heaven on earth).
let's be in touch.
Congratulations! It sounds like it will be a great adventure! And, of course, I look forward to hearing all about it as it happens!!!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you all! Montreal is a fabulous city with incredible gardens, so I do hope you get a chance to head north!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your future gardening adventures!
Good luck with your move. I would be sad to leave my garden if I moved but It should be fun learning to grow in a different climate. Looking forward to reading about your journey.
ReplyDelete