Bonnie-
Thanks for sharing this refreshing journey through a lifetime of practical learning. Your article was a personal journey for me as well in learning about the different kinds of plants, re-cycling leftovers, beneficial insects and "organic" gardening before it became widely known as that today. I especially like the part of your article about using 'strong-smelling marigolds' as a repellent: I still do this to this day! And to use your quote, ("knowledge gleaned over a lifelong relationship with the soil") is so important and appropriate, especially for our youngsters! Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful article.