I love spending time outdoors in the garden, soaking in the sunshine, getting my hands dirty and seeing things grow into something beautiful or produce something edible.  Gardening is incredibly therapeutic and rewarding.  Like many, when the pandemic first hit, schools and work trips were cancelled, we were stuck at home, and we were able to focus on home projects.  I started watching gardening videos and did tons of research on what would do well here in Central Florida, zone 9b.  With extra time and determination, I started turning our backyard into our own little colorful paradise.  I drew up a sketch for a raised bed vegetable garden, and one day, after returning home from a weekend trip, my husband surprised me with the raised beds built and looking JUST how I wanted them.  My blank canvas was ready to begin planting in and, much to my surprise, my very first vegetable garden turned out to be a great success.  I’d love to show you around my garden and share what’s worked for me.