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Plants Live in Communities

April 1, 2010

Greetings fellow gardeners!
When you really look at any plant in nature you will notice it is connected with other plants—by giving or receiving shade, warmth, coolness, wind protection, support, color, water, nutrients, and many other intricacies. We call this interdependency and true community living. Plants know this, and humans are still in the discovery of it. Neighborly care and love for one another is what plants do all the time. To be flexible, to adapt to circumstances—whether it be a drought, monsoon storm, a move (transplanting), or a need for healing—is a must for every living thing; and, with the collective help of others, much more can be accomplished than just the sum of the parts.
This philosophy and common sense understanding has been adopted into Permaculture design, Xeroscape landscaping, companion planting, rain- and grey-water harvesting, and Feng Shui. Throughout history it has been called the golden rule and divine pattern. I am suggesting, in the spirit of Easter, that you resurrect some of these age old truths. Every garden is different, and so there are no strict formulas, but there are guidelines. Be creative and ask some good nurseries.
Plant shade: Choose one or more deciduous trees. Some are fast growing (softwoods: willows, cottonwood) ; others grow slower (fruit trees, desert trees). One has to consider water needs too, but keep in mind that once the shade is established those plants that benefit from the shade will then use less water. Plant windbreak: You can choose hedges from native plants like jojoba, yuccas, bamboo, black/raspberries, or rose hedges with edible rosehips (even rose petals). Plant variety: My favorite companion planting is the native three sisters: corn, beans, and squash. They are true companions. Last year we did this and had a great harvest. Some other ideas are amaranth, lettuce, and onions. Another consideration is tomatoes and basil with some marigolds. In the corners of your garden have permanent spots for culinary herb perennials (rosemary, chives, marjoram, oregano, etc.), medicinal (calendula, lavender, comfrey, mints, plantain, stinging nettle, etc.), and edible standards (globe artichokes, rhubarb, asparagus). Plant beauty: Grapevines, roses, and flowers of all kinds including the sunflower. Did you know that there is a native sunflower (misnamed Jerusalem Artichokes) that has edible roots? It’s very beautiful and tall with many small flowers, and the nutritional benefits of its tubers are amazing. Plant density: Fill up your spaces with many kinds of vegetable plants and mulch all heavily with organic compost. It creates a microclimate and a plant community that is sustainable even in the desert.
What is described above is just the beginning, and each season you can add more plants. Envision it first, and then step by step plant your varieties and fill in the spaces. Involve your family, or make a family of friends, and you will find it’s more fun and creative. Ask your neighbors, garden clubs, or community gardens. In this process of learning and discovery, you find a new sense of belonging which fills your heart and soul with purpose. It is truly remarkable how healing gardening can be, no matter how small the beginnings.
We celebrate this time at Avalon Organic Gardens with our Annual Family Easter Celebration on Sunday April 4th, 11 A. M. – 3 P. M. Bring the kids for a hayride, Easter Egg Hunt, music, a children’s play, refreshments, and more. You can find the flyer online at http://globalchangemultimedia.org/events.
On Saturday, April 24, 11 A. M. – 5 P. M. our Annual Earth Sustainability Day is coming to Tubac Plaza. I hope I see you there or at our weekly Farm Stand in Tubac on Saturdays 11 A. M. – 1 P. M. And, don’t forget—its time to sign up for your share in our Community Supported Agriculture Program. You can do this online at http://avalongardens.org/csa or by calling 520-603-9932 (where you can also arrange for a personal tour).
Have fun planting and building your community, Tarenta Baldeschi (Change Agent)

PLANTS LIVE IN COMMUNITIES
Greetings fellow gardeners!
When you really look at any plant in nature you will notice it is connected with other plants—by giving or receiving shade, warmth, coolness, wind protection, support, color, water, nutrients, and many other intricacies. We call this interdependency and true community living. Plants know this, and humans are still in the discovery of it. Neighborly care and love for one another is what plants do all the time. To be flexible, to adapt to circumstances—whether it be a drought, monsoon storm, a move (transplanting), or a need for healing—is a must for every living thing; and, with the collective help of others, much more can be accomplished than just the sum of the parts.
This philosophy and common sense understanding has been adopted into Permaculture design, Xeroscape landscaping, companion planting, rain- and grey-water harvesting, and Feng Shui. Throughout history it has been called the golden rule and divine pattern. I am suggesting, in the spirit of Easter, that you resurrect some of these age old truths. Every garden is different, and so there are no strict formulas, but there are guidelines. Be creative and ask some good nurseries.
Plant shade: Choose one or more deciduous trees. Some are fast growing (softwoods: willows, cottonwood) ; others grow slower (fruit trees, desert trees). One has to consider water needs too, but keep in mind that once the shade is established those plants that benefit from the shade will then use less water. Plant windbreak: You can choose hedges from native plants like jojoba, yuccas, bamboo, black/raspberries, or rose hedges with edible rosehips (even rose petals). Plant variety: My favorite companion planting is the native three sisters: corn, beans, and squash. They are true companions. Last year we did this and had a great harvest. Some other ideas are amaranth, lettuce, and onions. Another consideration is tomatoes and basil with some marigolds. In the corners of your garden have permanent spots for culinary herb perennials (rosemary, chives, marjoram, oregano, etc.), medicinal (calendula, lavender, comfrey, mints, plantain, stinging nettle, etc.), and edible standards (globe artichokes, rhubarb, asparagus). Plant beauty: Grapevines, roses, and flowers of all kinds including the sunflower. Did you know that there is a native sunflower (misnamed Jerusalem Artichokes) that has edible roots? It’s very beautiful and tall with many small flowers, and the nutritional benefits of its tubers are amazing. Plant density: Fill up your spaces with many kinds of vegetable plants and mulch all heavily with organic compost. It creates a microclimate and a plant community that is sustainable even in the desert.
What is described above is just the beginning, and each season you can add more plants. Envision it first, and then step by step plant your varieties and fill in the spaces. Involve your family, or make a family of friends, and you will find it’s more fun and creative. Ask your neighbors, garden clubs, or community gardens. In this process of learning and discovery, you find a new sense of belonging which fills your heart and soul with purpose. It is truly remarkable how healing gardening can be, no matter how small the beginnings.
We celebrate this time at Avalon Organic Gardens with our Annual Family Easter Celebration on Sunday April 4th, 11 A. M. – 3 P. M. Bring the kids for a hayride, Easter Egg Hunt, music, a children’s play, refreshments, and more. You can find the flyer online at http://globalchangemultimedia.org/events.
On Saturday, April 24, 11 A. M. – 5 P. M. our Annual Earth Sustainability Day is coming to Tubac Plaza. I hope I see you there or at our weekly Farm Stand in Tubac on Saturdays 11 A. M. – 1 P. M. And, don’t forget—its time to sign up for your share in our Community Supported Agriculture Program. You can do this online at http://avalongardens.org/csa or by calling 520-603-9932 (where you can also arrange for a personal tour).
Have fun planting and building your community, Tarenta Baldeschi (Change Agent)

Written by Tarenta Baldeschi · Filed Under Gardening 

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