Letter from Publisher, April 2015
“The single greatest lesson the garden teaches is that our relationship to the planet need not be zero-sum, and that as long as the sun still shines and people still can plan and plant, think and do, we can, if we bother to try, find ways to provide for ourselves without diminishing the world.” ~ Michael Pollan, The Omnivore’s Dilemma
I have one area in my yard that gets sufficient sun for a proper garden and it was infested with termites a few years ago. The bugs ended up coming into my house and swarming, which put me off cultivating that particular plot.So, following the dictates of my Earth-loving heart, each year since, I’ve been experimenting with different techniques and plants, with greater or lesser success. Adhering to Pollan’s perspective, I figure that with each attempt I’ve been nourishing and providing for myself without, in this case, cutting down trees simply to gain more sunlight. The satisfying solution that’s surfaced is a countertop aquaponics tank where microgreens flourish, currently being fertilized by a lone guppy plus a vertical indoor garden with eight pockets of succulents and a grow light.
In this month’s issue, we speak with Ken Hay and Fritz Ege, co-owners of Greenology Organic Living. Their new spring offerings for sustainable living include a way to grow herbs from hanging moss balls. I’ll be stopping in to discover and learn more.
Exploring the concept of employing nature as a tonic, prompted by Christine MacDonald’s feature article, “Nature’s Wisdom,” I visited Paxson Hill Farm, in New Hope. There I met with horticulturist, Bruce Gangawer. Several lambs on the property were just a few days old and my first-ever opportunity to experience the serenity of holding them was breathtaking and surreal. It brought the essence of nature’s vital renewal home to me once again. The rural property’s Whispering Bridge and Hobbit House provide other enticements.
This month, I invite you to explore more local farms, grow your own inspired garden and explore how you and your family can live more sustainably, in harmony with Mother Earth.
Love, grow and live well, Audrey
