Christine Conforti written for graduation ceremony 1997. Dr. Stan Kamara Agricultural Agent.
So many things grow in a garden
These cycles I can easily see.
Even in Fall in the garden,
the process makes good sense to me.
But my growing is hidden away.
And yes, I do chill and complain when Winter wind reminds me,
again,
that I am just a human being and not a Brown-Eyed Susan.
Time keeps watch on me,
as fitful,
I'm tamed.
Lost in a fragrant place
while Spring blows in from behind me.
Then basquing in thought of Summer fun,
a butterfly flutters by berry blossoms and hesitates,
as busy bees taste nectars.
Who's not amazed by these traits?
I wonder in the garden.
Still... My growing's slow, so it seems,
and I won't sleep all winter so...
Soaking up the sights;
a crow, a sparrow, a little lady.
Black Back Bug with crimson dots visits me, and I return the smile.
And realize how happy I can be in a garden.
Do I really grow?
In my new labratory, each blossom keeps me in wonder of this place.
I should go before the thunder but I stay.
One more bulb to put under,
before I go on my way, wanting to return.
Is there ever enough time in a garden?
Can I ask for forever?
Do I really have this? Now I remember.
It was always here.
If only my growing could be so easy,
defined year to year.
Soon I could be Master of the tree.
I suppose.
But then the rose puts me square,
and with reverence I share in her gorgeousness, once more.
There's so much to love,
and I realize the complexity of a tiny seed
as it sleep in the bitter cold with the iris and the stars and the worm. Feeding on tomorrow's promise of life in the garden.
Wisdom and experience are shared as time goes by.
For all of that I must wait!
But when I'm there I can see plainly, it is so.
That in a garden all is rare and beautiful.
All in the garden grow.
Becoming a Master Gardener has meant a great deal to me. I had never truly experienced a garden before I began this process. I had been in gardens. My grandparents fed our extended family all winter on what they grew on Jefferson Place in Totowa. I had smelled flowers and admired landscapes, but I'd not found such a sense of belonging as I did when I began to garden. I needed this very much and was ready for the challenge. So, it started slow.
My interest in Vegetarianism lead me to Food Cooperatives where I saw benefits for local communities in partnerships with the local farmers and people owning their own food sources.
I wanted to connect with something like that. I wanted to connect and spend more time with the earth and sky. I wanted to know I'd done
more than just lament the artist's toil.
I wanted to complete something that was important and to give back to the world around me which I know is as needy as myself.
I needed to make something work.
There have been several people who encouraged me to garden.
One friend sent photo copies of articles and poetry about gardening. He'd talk about the Histroric Parks in Paterson and the endless possibilities for creative and rewarding experiences that I could enjoy in a garden.
Many other friends and aquaintences, from my community, are aware of these benefits and discussed their wish for community gardens in Paterson.
Then I spoke to Dr. Stanley Kamara on the telephone. He immediately recommended that I become a part of the Master Gardeners. He informed me that it did not require me to take excellent care of plants only. He suggested that there be many functions to fill, and that I had all of the talents necessary to be a Master Gardener: Appreciator of the importance of growing things and the process of growing things and all of the benefits that such actions bring.
But Stanley's love for Agriculture is a small part of what makes him a special mentor for me.
He's a lover of people too. A kind and gentle soul he believes in people. He believed in me. He frequently shares his stories of how gardening can change people's attitude toward each other and I now know what Stanley means.
For me, many years of pain have been healed in one year in these gardens. I found myself again and the Master Gardeners have become my friends. And like parents are an endless source of help and encouragement for this great task which is before me.
In Paterson, we planted hundreds of plants and started many possible gardens for the Spring of 1998.
We formed partnerships with over 15 other organization to keep this program going. We enjoyed endless hours out in our neighborhoods. Reclaiming what was once destroyed and letting it become what it naturally wants to be.
Remember! I was not alone!
Many helped.
The City of Paterson, The Division of Recreation, Benjie Wimberly, Nick Roca, who both put their faith in me. The DPW, Tony Venchieri, who I can truly count on, and all the volunteers.
I work. I volunteer as well.
But without the dedication of Margret Dillon to this project I'd have sunk. Her generous contribution to this project inspires me. Volunteering weekly to get down and dirty in our most neglected places. Helping me to continue. Just when I think it's all over, she's mellow, she's there ready to take on the next task. She doesn't live in Paterson. She's done what most people won't do in their own home. Scrubbing greenhouse floors, raking up toxic garbage or buying me "Cutter" so I don't get bites out in the garden.
I think she's earned her title.
Master Gardener
It is by her example that I except mine.
The Master must work but not toil.
And set example.
Margret's a great example!
I want all of our mentors to know. They are appreciated. Everytime you encourage another, I believe you fulfill your place as a Master.
Thanks to all for the help, donations and encouragement.
Being a Master Gardener is an honor. I will do my best to live up to it.