A Gardener’s Pilgrimage reflects on life lessons learned through gardening

St. Marys Farmers Market vendor Mac Crummer of H.E. Grows shares his gardening journey with his new book, A Gardener’s Pilgrimage.

A memoir written by a St. Marys Farmers Market vendor reflects on his journey as a gardener from the time he first found his green thumb.

Mac Crummer of H.E. Grows will be promoting his newly published book, A Gardener’s Pilgrimage, with book signing events in St. Marys and Stratford. Crummer will be at Blowes Cards and Gifts (34 Wellington St., Stratford) on April 5 from 1-3 p.m. and at the St. Marys Farmers Market at the Pyramid Recreation Centre on April 19 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Crummer began gardening when he was seven years old and growing up nearby Millbank as the ninth of 10 children. He learned as a child that he loves to plant seeds and care for gardens.

“My journeys through life taught me a great deal about gardening, family, friends and strangers. It was during these adventures that I began to reflect on what was important in life and that there was much more to be accomplished,” Crummer said.

One of Crummer’s friends, an author, suggested three years ago he should write a memoir. However, it took him a while to open up to the idea.

“I responded by saying, ‘Why on earth would I write a book?’ I didn’t think too much about it for about three months but never forgot that initial conversation with him,” Crummer said. “Finally, one early morning, I decided to put a few thoughts down on paper and suddenly it felt so natural to begin journaling, almost like turning a tap on. In fact, I began looking forward to writing my thoughts down during those endless early mornings.”

Crummer finished a rough manuscript three years later. He hopes his new book can inspire readers.

“My hope in reading this book is that people will learn a few gardening tips but will also journey with me down memory lane and reflect on their accomplishments and consider those things that are important to them,” he said. “Through mistakes and successes, we can better ourselves and have a positive impact on others.”

A Gardener’s Pilgrimage can be purchased in-person at the St. Marys Farmers Market, the Stratford Sunday Market and at Blowes Cards and Gifts, as well as online on Amazon at https://a.co/d/ggQb2dx.