The day was scorching hot, but I was cool as I meandered through my private paradise under the bean trellis. Sure, I was there to pick the beans that mostly hung obviously in front of my nose, but I was also lost in my own world of deep green vines and milk white blossoms that let in enough sparkling sunlight to make the passage cheerful and welcoming. I could sense a whole world of adventure in that tunnel, remembering storybooks of days gone by. And I could picture grandchildren of the future calling to me, “Lulu, look! I found another one!”
That made me think: Such a simple and useful apparatus should be on anyone’s list who wants to draw their children or grandchildren to the garden with them. Teach them to be playful while they work. Help them to see the wonder of how the leaves flutter in the breeze and reflect that awesome ball of fire in the sky, providing shade at the same time. Let them run through the path, being careful not to trip on the pumpkin plants that are weaving through. And don’t forget to be joyful with them.
As I picked, there was an occasional stray vine that had to be threaded up onto the ranch panel trellis. I may have spoken to each, as I delicately looped the tendrils. But, really, I was speaking to God, thanking Him for what has grown well in my garden this year. I was singing, too, so as it turns out, one of my daughters was able to find me, or else who knows? I might still be there…
Beautiful, I too lingered inside the cool green tunnel. This brings back my own childhood memories of exploring the “jungle” at my grandparents home with my brother and cousins, looking to see what we may find around the next bend and not wanting to leave when we got to the end so we’d turn another direction and continue in our own little world.
Some of our recent Barefoote Productions performers were thrilled to spend their rehearsal break under the magic beans. There’s something about tunnels that’s just fun.
Lovely idea to turn bean trellise into archways!
I have been very happy with learning to use trellising more in my garden, even though I have plenty of space. It adds a nice sense of art and variety. Next year I am going to experiment with small cantaloupe on a trellis.