After a 25 year rest I began gardening again 3 years ago using raised beds, SWCs (self-watering containers), indoor winter gardening under lights, and other things. This year I started working three 4x24' plots at a local community garden. I also began canning and freezing vegetables and fruits. It's been a lot of fun and fairly productive. When I quit before it was because my yard contains a fair amount of clay and was miserable to work. This new way is working out well. I also compost now and have lots of good stuff to add to my raised beds regularly.
Ordering seeds and starting them is also a favorite event in the spring. Especially tomatoes. But I also grow cabbage, greens, herbs, potatoes, radishes, cucumbers and squash. No good luck on melons yet - maybe this year.
Then there are the small ponds with waterlilies, fish, frogs, and the occassional heron or egret. And flowers - lots of flowers to be found among the weeds.
