This summer has been one of the best yet for the garden — full of sun, rich soil, and something even more meaningful: tradition. Among the usual rows of vegetables and herbs, one plant stands out not just for its size, but for the story it carries.
Every year, without fail, we grow a special kind of tomato — big, hearty, and packed with flavor — with roots that run deeper than most. These tomatoes originally came from my wife’s grandmother, who lived in Ituna. She was known all across the area for her incredible tomato plants, each one grown from seeds she brought with her from Ukraine many years ago. Her garden was a source of pride, and people still talk about those tomatoes to this day.
When she passed away a few years ago, my wife felt a strong desire to keep her memory alive in a tangible way. So she carefully saved those heirloom seeds, just as her grandmother had done for decades. It wasn’t just about the tomatoes — it was about continuing a legacy, one seed at a time.
Since then, we’ve kept the tradition going with the help of my uncle, who has a deep love for gardening. He’s taken on the role of caretaker for these treasured plants, growing them with the same care and respect that Grandma would have. Every spring, he shares a couple of plants with us, along with seeds for the next season — a small but powerful gesture that keeps the cycle alive.
There’s something special about biting into a tomato that has traveled across generations and continents. It’s more than just a taste of summer — it’s a connection to family, to heritage, and to the kind of quiet strength that comes from nurturing something year after year.
I’ve always loved traditions, especially the ones that tie us to the people we love. For my wife, this is more than gardening — it’s a living memory of her grandmother. And for me, it’s a privilege to be part of something so meaningful.
As we enjoy the harvest this year, we’re reminded that some of the most beautiful things in life are the ones we grow — with our hands, our hearts, and a little help from the past.
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