When I reflect on my childhood, I am transported back to Lake Okoboji in Northern Iowa. From the age of 7 till 14, I spent my summers roaming freely on Roy Smith’s 500-acre farm. I was enveloped in the wonders of nature, surrounded by chickens, sheep, horses, and endless fields of corn. However, it was the sprawling garden that left an indelible mark on my young mind. Though I never worked in the garden myself, the abundance of sweet corn and juicy watermelons left a lasting impression.
In a different chapter of my life, my grandfather’s legacy in Pomona and Ontario, Southern California, unfolded before me. As a Realtor in the 1950s and 60s, he orchestrated the transformation of aging orange groves into vibrant housing communities and apartment complexes.
Walking through those groves, I can still recall the refreshing burst of citrus juice on sweltering days, courtesy of my grandfather’s trusty pocketknife. These experiences solidified my affinity for the land and its boundless potential.
While my own gardening endeavors pale in comparison to the ½ acre plot tended by Dorothy Smith, or the orchards of my grandfather’s era, I enjoy my modest raised beds, tomato plants and 23 fruit trees. It strikes me as peculiar that in regions like the Mesa, many homeowners opt for ornamental landscaping over edible gardens. The absence of avocado, citrus, or fruit trees, not to mention staples like tomatoes and zucchini, seems like a missed opportunity to harvest the potential of this land.
To me, land represents not just a plot of earth, but a canvas brimming with possibilities. Whether it yields apricots or apartments, I see each property as an opportunity for enhancement. Improved cash flow, increased resale value, or a bountiful harvest from a garden corner—all these prospects dance in my mind like the promise of a spring day. As you read this, I invite you to consider a visit to your local garden center. Perhaps it’s time to plant those tomatoes, or finally bring home that apple tree, or avocado you’ve been dreaming of. And if you find yourself wondering how to maximize the potential of your own slice of paradise—be it a garden or an asset ripe for sale—let’s connect. Together, we can unlock the full potential of your Mesa retreat.
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