Your article brings to mind my entire philosophy of the universe, which is that Darwin actually had it wrong. There is no survival of the fittest; there is community and abundance in nature everywhere we look for it. The world we live in is relational, reciprocal, and generous (to name just a few). Life occurs everywhere as a gift for those who take the time to notice it.
At then end of the season I toss my plants and herbs out in the pasture. Occasionally I have volunteer squash or pumpkin. However, I also have a huge patch of mint. The cows do not like to eat it so it grows larger every year. When the cows walk thru it the air is perfumed with mint.
Your story about volunteers reminded me of the volunteer that grew in an abandoned flower bag handing on the dog kennel. Was a wet year and it got all the water it needed to sprout and grow. If I could find a way to send a photo of it I would.
My best squash and tomatoes come from the compost bin. Melons as well, and like the squash, I never know what I'm getting until it fruits. When they start coming up, I switch to dumping the scraps in the adjacent bin until the next season. Outside of the compost bins and the raised beds, there aren't many volunteers beyond the herbs that enjoy poor soil, so I like imagining your culinary jungle.
Your next book should be on gardening your way, what a pleasure to read this (and look up more about edible plants I’ve only barely heard of).
Your article brings to mind my entire philosophy of the universe, which is that Darwin actually had it wrong. There is no survival of the fittest; there is community and abundance in nature everywhere we look for it. The world we live in is relational, reciprocal, and generous (to name just a few). Life occurs everywhere as a gift for those who take the time to notice it.
At then end of the season I toss my plants and herbs out in the pasture. Occasionally I have volunteer squash or pumpkin. However, I also have a huge patch of mint. The cows do not like to eat it so it grows larger every year. When the cows walk thru it the air is perfumed with mint.
Your story about volunteers reminded me of the volunteer that grew in an abandoned flower bag handing on the dog kennel. Was a wet year and it got all the water it needed to sprout and grow. If I could find a way to send a photo of it I would.
OMG, the epazote took over the garden this year. And potatoes, always potato volunteers.
Once again, you've said it all :-) Lessons in control, acceptance and gratitude, beautifully done.
Volunteers bring me joy, especially when I find them in the most unexpected places.
Melon (cantaloupe) was my volunteer this year…and is delish! Pretty sure from my compost…
You have indeed captured the subtleties of gardening. I love this post!
My best squash and tomatoes come from the compost bin. Melons as well, and like the squash, I never know what I'm getting until it fruits. When they start coming up, I switch to dumping the scraps in the adjacent bin until the next season. Outside of the compost bins and the raised beds, there aren't many volunteers beyond the herbs that enjoy poor soil, so I like imagining your culinary jungle.