Veggies Can Be Pretty Too

Veggies Can Be Pretty Too

“Auntie Meg, what kind of flower is growing in this barrel?” asked Amy Jo.

“See if you can guess, sweet pea!”

Amy ran her hand over the fluffy green leaves.

“They tickle! Moss roses?”

Her aunt shook her head.

“Where are the flowers?”

Her aunt shrugged with a smile. Amy put her finger in the dimple in her chine and stared at the container.

“I don’t think I like flowers without flowers!”

“But I know you like these!”

Amy sat down on the steps, puzzled. She studied the plant closely.

“Does it do something?”

“Not so you’d notice. At least not right away”

“No flowers opening and closing like Four-o-clocks?”

“Nope.”

Amy stood up and went back to the barrel. She bent over and sniffed the delicate leaves.

“They smell different, but nice.”

“You know something, I think you may be right. Does the smell remind you of anything?”

Amy thought hard for several minutes, then her face brightened.

“It smells like something that isn’t a flower. My favorite vegetable!”

Aunt Meg grinned and blew her a kiss.

“You got it! It’s a carrot! They’re baby carrots. I grew them just for you!”

Amy ran to her aunt’s side and hugged her around the waist.

“Wow! When will they be ready?”

“A few more days yet, but soon.”

Meg began to dance around her aunt with glee. Soon they were holding hands and dancing together. When her aunt finally ran out of breath, Amy sat down beside her on the step and thanked her for the special surprise.

“Auntie, can I stay over until my veggies are ready?”

“Your mom and dad would miss you too much. But the very day they are ready, and we eat them, you can stay that day. All right?”