My name is Shirley Barriger and I was raised on a small farm in the "Thumb of Michigan" (l00 miles north of Detroit).   As a young child I helped my father with the gardening.  I learned about canning and freezing vegetables and fruits while helping my mother as I was growing up.  After my father passed away when I was 14 yrs old, I took on more responsibilities on the farm helping my older brother with the farm work.  We also raised beef cattle.  In 1966 I married a farmer eight miles from where I grew up.  I continued gardening over the years, providing vegetables for our five children.  Four of them are married with children and one still resides on the farm.  We have eight grandchildren and try to teach them the benefits of gardening.  I also enjoy flower gardening, crafts, sewing, traveling, and my grandchildren.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

January - Planning  Your Garden