While driving across the country with Adam from New York to Bothell Washington, I really never had any remote idea what to expect. Our only previous view of Songaia besides their website was this YouTube clip Adam found:
| ...and to be honest that really doesn’t clear much up now does it? Nevertheless, we pulled up to Songaia on Sunday August 5th to start our two-month stay as garden interns, or how Brent so lovingly puts it “garden slaves.” While my expectations may have been unclear, it is safe to say they were greatly exceeded. |
Upon first seeing the garden I remember thinking, “that is pretty small! How much work can it actually take?” The answer being, a lot… The amount of production that comes out of the garden has been a complete shock to me. Never before could I think issues such as having TOO many plums could exist, but trust me, they do. There really is always something to be done no matter how much you do; it really is incredible. |
The only thing I think on par to the production of the garden is how much Adam and I have learned. I came here without any garden experience, and while I will leave here far from an expert (very, very far in fact) I really have got to see and learn quite a bit. From how to tell the difference between what is a weed or plant, to the horrors of hot composting, to playing with baby goats, this summer has been absolutely filled with new experiences that I never thought I would have, yet am so thrilled that it has all happened
While I know most likely I have no real future career in gardening, there is just something that cannot be beat about spending the days outside in this beautiful Seattle summer, working with your hands and being able to actually taste your work. This summer has most certainly been one of the most unique experiences of my life, and despite all the uncertainty we had on route here, I couldn’t have asked for it to turn out any better.