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One spring day in my garden, I was enjoying watching a Mourning Cloak butterfly play. I held out my hand until it landed on me. It would flit off and then come back and land again. Butterfly play! And it was so beautiful closeup.
Garden Friends
Then I said to it, “Why don’t you go get some friends and bring them here? My yard is a safe place for you.” The butterfly flew off over the fence and I went on with my gardening. Then, after a few minutes, seven Mourning Cloak butterflies flew over the wall together and into my yard. I was so happy at the sight! My friend continued to land on my hand for several more hours that day.
Once I changed my perspective about them from pest to part of the balance and life of my garden, there were no longer as many destructive problems
My garden is my magical haven. There is so much to witness and discover. Yes, I love to grow plants, especially for food, but I also enjoy watching and learning about all the creatures that live there as well. There are multitudes of ecosystems just in my little space. I used to get annoyed by the snails and certain insects. Now, I appreciate the magnificence and beauty of them. Once I changed my perspective about them from pest to part of the balance and life of my garden, there were no longer as many destructive problems. We all found a balance and we now work well together.
Layers of Nourishment
When it comes to growing food, I’ve found that taking care of the soil and being open to experiment has allowed me much gratification, and I can mostly make my own rules. I find what works for me in my yard, and that expands the guidelines set forth in instruction manuals. There’s nothing quite like going into my garden and picking a cucumber or pepper off the plant and eating it right there. Not only do they taste incredible, but it is a very empowering feeling to know that I can provide my family and myself with fresh clean food. And there are many more varieties of fruits and vegetables that I can grow than are offered in the stores.
Along with learning to appreciate the small creatures that inhabit my yard, I’ve come to enjoy what could be called weeds. Especially the dandelion. I let them spread and then harvest them. They have a long taproot, and so they need to be removed somewhat carefully to get it all. I will use the whole plant in stir-fries. The leaves can be added to salads, or dried and used for tea. The roots can be chopped and roasted and used as a coffee alternative. Some people make wine from the blossoms. Dandelion is supportive of the liver and a great gift from nature.
My garden is an endless area of exploration and learning in so many ways. When the world gets stressful and distracting, my garden provides me grounding, wonder and joy.
Sue Dolan is a producer with Xpnsion Network who manages the website, customer service, and content upload. Read this article by Xpnsion Network Co-Founder and Channel, Kasey Speer-Wallis.