4 minute read
FEATURE
A Labor of Love
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Galatians 6:9
STORY BY JEREMY SIMMONS PHOTOS BY JINA ARMSTRONG PHOTOGRAPHY
For Andy and Jina Armstrong, life-long, born and bred Ennisites, working the ground, growing a harvest, and sharing it with family and friends is just as natural as the vegetables they grow. “I just love watching things grow; I’ve done it my whole life.” Says Andy, whose first career was as a farmer in Bardwell, TX. The couple, who celebrated their 37th year of marriage this year, has a few main goals for their sprawling horticulture project: have fun, try new things, share it with those they love, and worship their God.
What started out as a meek hobby garden in the Fall of 2014, has grown to a 2,400 square foot “labor of love,” as they like to call it. There are 4 different quadrants to the garden, separated by pea gravel walking paths. On each walking path, you can find shade under a trellis, 3 different seating areas to rest on, a place to get a good view of some wildflowers, or snip some herbs for dinner.
The vegetable varieties include all the staples of a western diet: Onions and potatoes (both Andy’s favorite to grow), peas, squash, corn, okra, cucumbers, green beans, radishes, just to name a few. On one side of the garden, they are even growing peach and plum trees used to make homemade ice cream!
In one not-so-modestly sized quadrant, Jina gets her own chance to be the master gardener. “We started growing flowers in 2016 for our daughter, who wanted fresh-cut flowers for her wedding. We had such success that we have done it ever since. We love to give them away as a fun surprise to our friends. We call it our flower ministry.”
Harvest season usually begins around the 1st week of June. And what do they do with all of their food? Andy and Jina were both very adamant about not selling it. “We love to give it away,” they say, “to friends, family, and people who need it.”
And surprise would be a great word for what the garden has in store for the couple. “I had no idea how much joy I would find seeing the garden through my granddaughter’s eyes. It’s so much fun to watch her play, try to help, and just to notice the garden.” Says Jina.
When asked for tips, Andy says that’s it all about trial and error. “You can research all you want, but you never really know what’s going to work until you do it.” That’s good advice for all areas of life. Sometimes, you just have to get your hands dirty - an activity the Armstrong’s are no strangers to.
“You put a seed in the ground and it turns into something that is beautiful but it can feed and sustain our bodies. Early in the morning, we can feel the Lord’s presence. Being out there I feel God speak to me in the quietness of the garden.” Andy says, with a look towards the patch of soil he has worked tirelessly over the years to cultivate into a sanctuary.
A little peace, a little quiet, and watching something grow, maybe just the things we need to make it through till harvest time.
ANDY & JINA ARMSTRONG Andy and Jina are lifelong residents of Ennis. Jina is a family photographer. Her love of photography and her granddaughter Jane, give her even more reasons to spend time in the garden. Andy comes from a farming and ranching background, which is where his love of gardening began. The couple loves to have friends and family over to visit & share the garden. They get the most joy out of being able to share their home grown goods! Andy and Jina have been married for 37 years and have 2 grown children, Wade and his wife Bethany, Claire and her husband Jeremy. Claire and Jeremy have a 2 yr old daughter Jane.
To keep up with what’s happening in the garden, You can follow them on Instagram @jinaarmstrong & Jina’s photography’s @jinaarmstrongphotography www.jinaarmstrongphotography.com
