For some time now I pondered the idea of garden blogging. But I struggled with the concept. Seemed a fascinating medium for this northeast gardener to share my wealth of experiences…triumphs and failures, along with my passion for sustainable designs and practices. But so many blogs for the garden enthusiast to choose from. What would be my voice and how do I take a much talked about subject…make it my own brand and provide interest and value for others to read?
Let me set my framework for garden dialog. I have adopted a rather different approach to my water and soil based gardens. I strive for sustainability…e.g. designs and materials that will stand the test of time and elements. I begin with the recognition that each one of us personally and collectively is a steward of our earth. I encourage designs, materials and practices that “give back more to the earth than take from it”, thus keeping an ecological balance. The shear nature of gardens become the physical evidence of the need for balance, respect and value. The result is pure joy and encouragement to the body, mind and spirit when achieved. Throughout my garden journeys this has been an epiphany of sorts directing my practices. Valuable garden lessons have resulted along the way.
Frankly there are piles and piles of information touting green or sustainable garden practices these days. The word sustainable is used in a multitude of contexts and currently a favorite “buzz” word of the day. However, reality vs pitch is important to discern. My sustainable gardening dialog will be directed towards my personal hands on experiences here in the Northeast. I enjoy taking ideas from various colleagues across the country, then assessing the application and outcomes here in our fickle North Country weather. What works in other planting zones…does not always work here. I have had the good fortune over the years to gain knowledge from seasoned horticulturalists and garden designers in the northeast and throughout North America, then putting feet to those practices right here in Saratoga County.
I hope you will choose to join me on my ongoing journey of enlightenment through gardening. Perhaps my path will inspire and encourage you to begin or enhance your own garden adventure. 🙂
