at the age of five, i plundered our garden of rocks and stones, enlisting help to lift extra large ones. i loaded them into my wagon and proceeded to canvas the neighbors, regaling them with the benefits of my selections as natural art for their front or backyards. if i encountered reluctance, i brought to their attention, the added feature of my wares being great doorstops or paper weights. i sold out of inventory.
while enrolled in a master gardeners course, i was introduced to a multitude of seed catalogues. i purchased from many of them.
i found one that expanded my garden and landscape, both inner and outer.
my acre was home to grape vines, raspberries, blackberries, apple trees, oaks, russian olives, scotch pines, pinons, cottonwoods and 48 rosebushes. my tables, culinary, decorative and therapeutic, include varietals in lavenders, manzanitas, japanese honeysuckles, soapworts, fennels, sorrels, alliums, basils, yerba de la negritas, thistles, flaxes, melons, tomatoes, gentians, borages, salvias, morning glories, mallows, edible flowers, native grains, scarlet pimpernel, peppers, zucchinis and all manner of vegetables, common and rare.
in the beginning, for herbs, i bought the most from a grower in canada. i attest to the quality of their products.
www.richters.com
here are some others i grew:
lion's tail for hypertension, headaches and digestive imbalances
lovage is early spring bloomer and has celery flavour
silver queen wormwood stimulates appetite
witch hazel is anti-imflammatory
mongolian yarrow reduces stomach acidity
the sagest suggestions i make towards cultivating your own garden of eden are these: become a sponge at the feet of the elders in your area, soaking up experiential wisdom. volunteer in a community garden. make friends with your neighbors, asking for cuttings. visit your local library or independent bookstore for a good reference primer. notice, log or take photos of your micro climate (sunlight movement, compass directions). dream and draw.
windowsills, patio containers or planter box gardens can deliver a hearty yield of color, fragrance and tastiness just as much as an acre. apartment farming is easy. do a little prep work and reap the bounty.
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