I was surprised by a garden along my usual path of concrete and steel from the train station to my office. It was clearly marketing a product, but I was intrigued enough to look closer.
Ordinary midwestern garden vegetables. A nice contrast to my surroundings. I miss growing food, nurturing the little plants tending to them lovingly. Did I read that sign right? They want me to touch the plants? My mother’s voice echoed in my ears, “don’t touch”.
![Garden sign](https://i0.wp.com/www.practicallyux.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_1586-e1375379009237.jpg?resize=420%2C315)
I reached out.
They giggled.
And gurgled.
I smiled.
![tweet to water garden sign](https://i1.wp.com/www.practicallyux.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_1585-e1375379169449.jpg?resize=454%2C338)
This experience brought a moment of unexpected whimsey to an otherwise drab morning. Not only was the placement of the garden unexpected, but also how I was able to interact with it. To touch a plant and have it audibly respond was a small delight. A bit of marketing that gave back to me in exchange for my attention. I look forward to listening to the ripening tomatoes.