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Woman's garden flourishes despite drought
In the case of local resident Charlean Gaffney, she is more than happy to receive it. Following a year in which the majority of the crops found in her Johnson Street garden fell victim to scorching temperatures and inadequate rainfall, the local woman has seen better results up to this point in 2008. "All I wanted to do was be able to provide food for my friends and family," Gaffney said. "But the Lord has definitely blessed me." She has planted apples, pears, tomatoes, okra, yellow squash and mustard greens in her yard since moving to Cherokee County in 1997. She had experienced a bountiful harvest the first few years, saving loved ones trips to the grocery store for some agricultural staples. "I just love going out into my garden for a few hours each morning," Gaffney said. "It was something I enjoyed. It gave me the chance to help others." Prior to this year she had seen some successes, but more often than not Gaffney has seen crops fail due to changing weather patterns. Yearning to have a good season where she was able to reap an ample supply of fruits and vegetables, the local gardener hit her knees and made a call upstairs. "I asked the Lord to send a harvest," Gaffney said. "I prayed that he would somehow ease up this drought for the garden to grow." Her prayers were answered in the form of an apple tree overflowing with fruit and an okra plant that has grown up to 12 feet in height. "The okra plant is almost taller than my shed," Gaffney said. "And it's still blooming." Gaffney was in a traffic accident last month that kept her from tending to her garden for a few weeks. The gardener believes if she would not have been forced to stay inside, a more bountiful harvest could have been brought in."When I was away, insects and little animals came in and ate some of my plants," Gaffney said. "But it's alright. I plan to do things the exact same way next year if the Lord gives me strength." |
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