How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
I'd never grown anything before. I got into it. Every day something new. The first flower bud. Then those first yellow flowers. Then the tomatoes growing right behind 'em. (9.5)
Curtis sure is getting into his tomato plants. Take a look at how he thinks each step in the growing process is totally fascinating. He's not bored waiting around for those tomatoes to grow. Nope, instead he's psyched about each little step from seed to bud to tomato.
Quote #8
He twisted and pointed toward the garden. I turned the wheelchair and headed back. I could see his nostrils taking in the smell of the soil. We reached the lot. His arm commanded me to enter. Over the narrow, bumpy path we went, his nose and eyes working. Some remembered scent was pulling him. He was a salmon traveling upstream through his past. (10.3)
Nora knows just how much Mr. Myles likes being in the community garden. Actually, Mr. M doesn't just like being in the garden—he loves it. Just check out how sensory his experience is. Does this remind you of anyone else? If you're thinking of Tío Juan, then we're with you. Both these gents know that smelling the garden is one way to get to know nature.
Quote #9
We might have been strolling through a miniature city. Some plots sported brick pathways and flower borders, while others looked haphazard. One had a gate that was in fact a car door. Within, beans climbed a propped-up set of bedsprings. (10.4)
Nora is pretty fascinated by the layout of the community garden. Did you notice how it's not just plants that fill the garden? Nope, instead we've got quite the jumble of things. On the one hand, there are natural elements like "flower borders" and "beans." But then there are also bricks, a "car door," and even "bedsprings." This might seem like a crazy mishmash. But those beans are actually growing on the bedsprings. Looks like nature might need a bit of help—even from some old furniture.