I had such a similar thought yesterday. It’s a near desert climate in the state of Querétaro (México) but the recent more than usual rains had turned everything green. From every crack in the sidewalk weeds flourished. And all the cacti blossomed. With patience things can come to life.
Yes to this! We can all still be doing what we CAN do.... A year ago I did what you are doing. Trust me, it's worth it!! And it is so fun to be out there with the squirrels and birds and raccoons... I knew all this was coming in our country early (in January) due to being in the first wave of people immediately impacted (that was helpful--it showed me the pattern that I now see repeating again and again) and so in February I began to plan..the gardens...the hydroponics...the seed starting system... The goal: is to nurture the nature that gives so much to us....Nature, whom we are a part of, not separate. It is also so I can be generous in kind to others. Already my little container gardens are producing more than I can eat....I take cuttings of the herbs I grow, put them in little planters and give them to neighbors....i make salves to heal small wounds...and dry herbs to make teas so we can drink summer all winter long..... Still far to go, but every step is a new fresh step towards a better life for everyone......
Great last line, Paul. After reading this, I feel relieved that our yard has not been treated. We have lots of natural wildflowers and "weeds" growing in our lawn (including clover), and it's not very aesthetically appealing, but the bugs! We have seen so many interesting bugs!
Funny, this is what I want to do with our front lawn, too. Was talking to the kids about catmint because it repels mosquitoes and they love my son. Also thinking about wildflowers everywhere and how much I’d love that. And I loved this, Paul,
I love that you notice the rhythm. And also, I am starting to advocate for no-mow yards (along with only using native plants and trees, and no fertilizers/pesticides.) They seem like such a win-win to me <3
We were just thinking of doing the same -- planting clover. We already ripped out part of the lawn to have a wild flower garden. We love it and the bees do too.
Our backyard gets smaller each year as Jenn adds a few more things. I keep telling her let's just have a short walking path and let the flowers take over the rest.
While I love everything about this piece and I am always so stupid with excitement when a see any new writing from you - I was delighted to see your tip jar labeled “buy me a taco.” Because, of course you’d rather have a taco, all things being even. 💜🤣
". . . my mind focused on the task at hand and not all the ways I can’t control the world. Just breathing and being, planting seeds for tomorrow then watering them into the earth, giving them a chance to grow."
The only thing lawn (I use that term loosely) serves as at my house is as a path through the gardens. It does its eco-part on its own. We do nothing but reduce the plantain plantations …occasionally. My cottage-y gardens are my and my neighbors refuge and joy as they are free to wander through, children and cameras in hand. My hands in the earth, I become present to what is important-beauty, grace, and wonder.
I had such a similar thought yesterday. It’s a near desert climate in the state of Querétaro (México) but the recent more than usual rains had turned everything green. From every crack in the sidewalk weeds flourished. And all the cacti blossomed. With patience things can come to life.
I've always wanted to see the desert right after a rain like that--thank you for sharing <3
Yes to this! We can all still be doing what we CAN do.... A year ago I did what you are doing. Trust me, it's worth it!! And it is so fun to be out there with the squirrels and birds and raccoons... I knew all this was coming in our country early (in January) due to being in the first wave of people immediately impacted (that was helpful--it showed me the pattern that I now see repeating again and again) and so in February I began to plan..the gardens...the hydroponics...the seed starting system... The goal: is to nurture the nature that gives so much to us....Nature, whom we are a part of, not separate. It is also so I can be generous in kind to others. Already my little container gardens are producing more than I can eat....I take cuttings of the herbs I grow, put them in little planters and give them to neighbors....i make salves to heal small wounds...and dry herbs to make teas so we can drink summer all winter long..... Still far to go, but every step is a new fresh step towards a better life for everyone......
I have lippia for lawn, too. I love the tiny perfect blooms and the native bees they bring.
Great last line, Paul. After reading this, I feel relieved that our yard has not been treated. We have lots of natural wildflowers and "weeds" growing in our lawn (including clover), and it's not very aesthetically appealing, but the bugs! We have seen so many interesting bugs!
This is so beautiful, my husband wants a clover garden too! But as you beautifully describe, it is a process!
Beautiful...
Was the use of “sewing” rather than “sowing” intentional? I regularly find the unexpected in your work. Delightful and thought-provoking.
Actually, he says sheepishly, that was 5 AM brain not noticing the mistake <3
Yay for all the beautiful lawns here.
Funny, this is what I want to do with our front lawn, too. Was talking to the kids about catmint because it repels mosquitoes and they love my son. Also thinking about wildflowers everywhere and how much I’d love that. And I loved this, Paul,
the rhythm was like rain on the roof 💚
I love that you notice the rhythm. And also, I am starting to advocate for no-mow yards (along with only using native plants and trees, and no fertilizers/pesticides.) They seem like such a win-win to me <3
Yes! So with you. I think they’re prettier, better for the environment, and no mowing! Definitely not using pesticides or fertilizers over here 🌱🌱🌱
We were just thinking of doing the same -- planting clover. We already ripped out part of the lawn to have a wild flower garden. We love it and the bees do too.
Our backyard gets smaller each year as Jenn adds a few more things. I keep telling her let's just have a short walking path and let the flowers take over the rest.
While I love everything about this piece and I am always so stupid with excitement when a see any new writing from you - I was delighted to see your tip jar labeled “buy me a taco.” Because, of course you’d rather have a taco, all things being even. 💜🤣
I'm so glad you noticed that--just being silly!
Tropical storm rains today and tomorrow. Our lawn will just love it.
I'd wear a slice of this on a t-shirt:
". . . my mind focused on the task at hand and not all the ways I can’t control the world. Just breathing and being, planting seeds for tomorrow then watering them into the earth, giving them a chance to grow."
Thank you. ;-)
The only thing lawn (I use that term loosely) serves as at my house is as a path through the gardens. It does its eco-part on its own. We do nothing but reduce the plantain plantations …occasionally. My cottage-y gardens are my and my neighbors refuge and joy as they are free to wander through, children and cameras in hand. My hands in the earth, I become present to what is important-beauty, grace, and wonder.