Beverly always was the kind of person to give of herself to others, especially those who seemed to need it for one reason or another. She had promised to teach Wanda more one day when she had the means to do so. Now she does and she figures a little more of a hands-on approach will help Wanda get the idea better than simply explaining the process would.

“I’ve got them set up in ways that will hopefully give them the best access to the amount of sunlight they need while also making sure they aren’t competing with each other,” she explains. “I’ve also already turned the earth so that it’s loose and ready for planting. Other than that, we make a hole about six inches deep and set the seed down in it. I’ll show you how as we go.”

And she does, of course. Once they make it to the house, she kneels down next to one of the sections she’s prepared for this. “This seed belongs to the valerian plant, typically used as a mild sleep aid. It was native to Europe and Asia, but was introduced to North America, so it should grow here.” Hopefully, anyway.

Beverly passes over her hand trowel and indicates a circular area with one hand, explaining what she wants and how as they go. “Let’s try making a hole right about here with the trowel.”