July 1st morning and it is the quintessential ‘perfect day’. Blue sky , light breeze , warmth of the sun on your back as you survey the seemingly overnight growth in the garden. Despite some minor setbacks such as the lettuce bolting before it was even mature and heavy rains that delayed planting beds ( but not the weeds!) the Acadia Community gardens are looking great. Could there be a better place to reflect on what Canada Day means than working in the soil that was reclaimed by the Acadians and the Founders more than two centuries ago. Today we have the privilege of growing own our food not out of necessity but by choice. We also are not reliant on our gardens exclusively as we know that at any time throughout the year we can supplement those ‘essential’ items such as avocados or bananas, butter and even local food from a variety of sources. Our ancestors’ ability to grow their own food was for their survival. We also need to be mindful about the diversity of our gardens. The first settlers were very limited in what they could grow. If you find yourself feeling less than inspired about leftovers…again…try eating cabbage and rutabagas for six months of the year! Did you know that the flavour of tomato plants is enhanced by growing basil along with them? Or that many of the herbs we enjoy act as flavour enhancers and bug repellents to their companion plants? With diversity our gardens are richer and certainly more interesting.
A little like our fellow Canadians …eh?
0 Responses to “Happy Canada Day !”