Featured Gardener - Ida Fleming

Meet Ida Fleming!

I met Ida by way of the Hotchkiss Field Community Garden.  She is one of a handful of consistent residents who maintain the garden with the help of Shalom Farm employees.  Her zest for life is evident to anyone she meets as she is always smiling, interested in learning new things and extremely energetic.   In the garden, Ida doesn't waste time.  She moves swiftly through the aisles watering, pulling weeds and checking on the progress.  She's always happy to talk with curious neighbors and encourages them to join in on the fun!

Tomatoes and Sweet Potatoes

I was ecstatic to learn that Ida had a garden of her own and quickly asked if she would be willing to give me an interview.  To my delight, she was happy to do it and within a week or so, I stepped into a beautiful L-shaped backyard garden for what would be a lovely conversation.   The garden was robust with a variety of tomatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, watermelon, basil, okra, strawberries and beets.  It was anchored by a well manicured lawn which I soon found out was the handy work of Ida's partner in gardening and love, Robert .

Robert & Ida

Robert came out to greet us and chat for a while which was definitely a treat!  The chemistry between he and Ida was instantly evident.  He walked out from the house talking about the day's big news report of President Obama and the First Lady's smooch on the Kiss Cam at the Olympic Exhibition Basketball Game.  In the midst of his replay, Robert swooped Ida around, dipped her and gave her a very presidential smooch of his own.  It was obvious that these two adore one another!

Cherry tomatoes

After our fabulous introduction and a few pictures, Robert retreated inside leaving Ida and I to chat for a while.  We found a seat in the shade and the following was revealed.

Tam: Is there a history of gardening or farming in your family
Ida: Yes, there is a history.  As a young girl, I remember going down to the 17^th St Market with my grandmother and mom to to buy vegetables. I was always excited by the wonderful colors of the various vegetables! 

Tam: How long have you been gardening?
Ida: I’ve been gardening for the past three years with Robert but some years back I actually made my first attempt with one of my girl friends.  At that time the garden was in my backyard.  We didn’t know what we were doing and didn't have much success.  Gardening remained my passion and I later returned to it because the desire was always there.

Tam: What was your motivator to actually get started again?
Ida: I believe that my friend Robert has always had a garden.  He asked if I wanted to participate in maintaining a garden in his yard and I said YES, LET’S GO FOR IT!  Robert was my main motivator, yet, I also recall that there have always been gardeners in my neighborhood.  I would admire my neighbors' gardens and enjoy the vegetables and knowledge that was shared with me.  This really motivated me to get started!

Tam: How do you feel you’ve benefited from the experience of gardening?
Ida:  I’m a naturalist and therefore, I enjoy all things natural especially fresh vegetables, fresh fruit and being in the fresh air.  As I’m working in the garden, I'm getting exercise and ultimately becoming healthier.

Tam: What wisdom or best practices can you share with others who might want to get started?
Ida: Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.  You can use on line resources, read books or magazines and even ask your neighbors for advice or help.  It’s easy and the rewards are just unexplainable.

Tam: What was your motivator to join the community garden at Hotchkiss Field?
Ida: My motivation came from simply having someone that could come in and initiate the garden.  I've wanted a garden of this kind in the neighborhood for many years and about five years ago, I asked about starting one.   It wasn't the right time due to lack of potential space and interest.  When we finally had the green light, there was no question about whether or not I would be involved.

Tam: What challenges have you faced in the garden and how did you overcome them?
Ida: One challenge would be the weather and to overcome that I wear the proper clothing and always have plenty of water.  Bugs are also a challenge and  for this, I wear repellent.  There's nothing I can't overcome because I love what I'm doing and really love being outside.

Tam: Do you share the fruit of your labor with others.
Ida: Yes, I take my things to work in a basket and everyone loves coming to the desk to see what I've brought in.  I also proudly share with my neighbors. 

Ida and I went on to chat about everything from green smoothies to her fall garden which will include, among other things, cabbage, string beans and collard greens.  It turns out that she graduated from the same high school as my mother and knows many of my mother's dearest friends.  As the saying goes "it's a small world".

For the past 20+ years Ida has not consumed beef or pork and the main components of her diet have been fruit, vegetables, fish and poultry.  Due to all that Ida is able to grow, be it with Robert or with the volunteers at the community garden, she rarely has a need to visit a grocery store. She's committed to healthy living which is evident in what she chooses to feed her body, her exercise regimen and joyful spirit.  I always look forward to seeing Ida's smiling face and hearing her jubilant laugh on days that we meet for morning or evening work at the community garden. Her vibrant personality is infectious and her presence is as bright as the shining sun. 

Okra

Beets

I hope that the story of Ida's garden along with the ups and downs occurring in my own backyard will inspire you to grow something (if you don't already). Gardening has shown me what can be accomplished when desire, patience, observation and love are mixed in with good soil, sunshine and rain.