the secret glow of heirloom corn in my backyard

When I was a child, my grandmother would tell me stories about the vibrant cornfields of her youth—rows of green, shimmering in the summer sun, a sight that seemed almost magical. Now, decades later, I find myself growing Oaxacan green corn in my own North American backyard, and I swear, the husks catch the light in a way that feels almost iridescent. But here's where the generations clash: my kids roll their eyes at my old-fashioned seeds, preferring sweet, uniform hybrids from the garden center. They say my patch looks wild, not neat like the neighbors’ lawns. Yet, every time I walk among these tall, green stalks, I feel a connection to family, to tradition, and to the land itself—a feeling I worry is fading in our fast-paced, convenience-driven world. Some in our community argue that growing non-native varieties is risky, that it disrupts local ecosystems. Others, like me, believe that honoring our roots and experimenting with heritage crops brings resilience and beauty to our gardens. Especially now, as unpredictable weather and changing seasons challenge our old ways, I wonder: should we stick to what’s always grown here, or embrace the unfamiliar for the sake of tradition and taste? I’d love to hear from others—do you plant what your parents did, or do you try something new? Have you faced pushback from neighbors or community rules? For me, the glow of this corn is more than just a color; it’s a living memory, and a gentle rebellion against sameness. #heirloomgardening #familytradition #gardeningdebate #Gardening