How does your garden grow?

I was in the checkout line at the garden center a few months ago, getting fresh mulch and potting soil and a few new plants. The person at the register was new. She was getting a little anxious because there was a long line of people waiting to check out. I smiled at her and told her not to worry. "We're all gardeners. We're patient."

There is a certain nurturing personality with gardeners. Gardeners have a kinship that we all share tips and tricks on how to keep squirrels from digging up your flowers, or organic ways to keep bugs off your tomatoes.

I think reading books to children is nurturing in the same way, planting little seeds of inspiration and joy, and then waiting to watch them blossom.