Julie Drover grows the most beautiful vegetable garden. Year after year the stalks grow, the leaves spread, the bulbs burst into an edible delight. I never spot a weed. Her garden doesn’t grow in her backyard, which is wooded, but on a plot of land she rents in Barrington’s community garden. A sweet gesture from her son got her started growing there more than 10 years ago. “My son worked at the Park District throughout high school, and he rented a plot for me for Mother’s Day,” she said.

Many of the community gardeners including myself tend to keep the garden whereabouts somewhat secret. That’s because we toil for months nurturing our plants and sharing our best advice on growing this or that. We don’t want passer-by or worst, intruders, to think “community” means help yourself to what’s grown there. No, each plot is rented and privately maintained. It’s hard enough to keep bugs and bunnies at bay. For that reason, I will merely add to the intrigue that surrounds the community garden location.

Julie chose this garden lifestyle for multiple reasons. “It’s easy at the garden. Sunshine and water are there and it’s fun to connect with fellow gardeners. Everyone shares their product but more importantly their knowledge!” She gives me some great tips, especially when it comes to growing garlic. No one ever shames me either. Weeds are my problem. “You have to keep up with it, there’s no big trick,” Julie tells me. Her devotion is apparent. “I’m out there daily. I may be watering, weeding, picking or just checking in on things.”

Julie makes it sound simple, but experienced gardeners such as her have many tricks up their lifted sleeves. “I use organic fertilizer. This year I used lentil water. I’m thrilled at the results.” True to her avocation, she is a life-long learner, unafraid to explore new approaches.

Harvest time is truly delightful. The fruit of one’s labor is made real with the picking of freshly grown food. Much of it is devoured by family and friends, shared at a table, converted into sauces, shredded, frozen, or given as gifts. But harvest time can also be a bit depressing. Digging in the dirt becomes a memory. The instant camaraderie of fellow gardeners disappears. The taste of store-bought produce tugs at the mind. The daylight wanes. Then Julie reminds me that we always have something to look forward to: “I love the community out there. The people are all great. I learn something every year from others to improve on my garden. It is very therapeutic. It’s so peaceful out there.”