Gardening and Cooking

Richer the better.

How does your garden grow? How well does your cake rise? These are important questions that we ask ourselves working here at the college daily, either explicitly or implicitly.  Really, we are grappling with one central choice: am I the gardener or the cook?

As a gardener, you need to find the soil rich with nutrients.  You need to provide access to fresh and clean water.  You need to be sure there is plenty of sun. Plants struggle in the shade and perish in the dark.  You must pull out the weeds.  You must how rows to hold and protect the seeds.  You will need to add fertilizer. You must pull out the occasional burlap sac when the frost arrives.  You must sharpen your tools.  Clean the dirt off the shovel.  Wear gloves.  You must then harvest your garden crop and share with others.

Not easy being green.

As the cook, you need to measure carefully.  Find the correct ingredients. You need to mix thoroughly.  You must make sure the correct temperature is met and maintained.  You must stir on occasion, especially to make some things happen.  Be sure to add frosting or gravy as applicable: the sweet things. Apply generous helpings of chocolate, but do not forget the green vegetables.  Serve chilled or warm as appropriate with all your friends.

From the garden to the dinner table, a lot of work needs to be done continually.  You must pick a role.  You must play both at times.  You need to ask, "Where do I use my skills?  How do I keep myself well fed? What makes me happy?" But most importantly, you will need to do it with friends, however fabulous.

Celia Herodek and Carey Hilgartner