Fruition - Rare Treats And Spring Things

It is indescribably pleasing to nurture an orange tree, watching it flower and fruit, then seeing those fruits grow and develop from green to yellow, finally to delicious, deep orange. Most thrilling of all is the experience of picking an orange from that tree, breaking it open, and enjoying its sweetness right there under the tree as the juice runs down your arm making your hands and face sticky and delicious-smelling. It is an exerience that everyone should get the opportunity to have - picking home-grown fruits and vegetables - green beans, cherries, apples, radishes, and especially TOMATOES - and eating them right there in the garden before they can even make it to the kitchen.
No - you shouldn't do this if you spray your garden to rid it of pests (and unfortunately good bugs too), but try it some time. Don't spray your garden one year - be brave enough to grow some food for yourself that is not perfect and pretty. Share a little bit with the critters (and neighbors) that come around; anyone who has ever grown a garden knows that there is more than enough to give away when any given crop is ripening madly.
Wipe the dirt off a few of the things you have picked and taste them - NOW - before you leave the garden. Especially do it when you are sweaty and tired and fulfilled with your garden work for the day. If your hair is hanging into your face and dirt and sweat streak your arms, the garden doesn't care. And the satisfaction of your little snack will taste better for it. The sweet flavor of your work and love is packed into these tidbits of sustenance. That, to me, is the real meaning of the word fruition, and you will never be the same once you have experienced it.
Peace.