Back in Spring 2020, I started what I affectionately and humbly called my forest garden in my backyard. I embarked on this journey of discovery, inspired by the words of Joanna Cannon: “The most important thing a garden needs is the shadow of a gardener”. As I lovingly worked in the soil, nurturing my fledgling forest, I readily learn that to grow any plant, garden, or forest requires commitment and dedication. I realized that gardening is not just a seasonal hobby, but a year-round investment of time and energy, a year-round labor of love.
For instance, Winter is usually the time to plan ahead for the upcoming season. I have put a fair amount of thought into studying and designing my forest garden so that each plant benefits from each other in what is called companion planting. I have found that using my time and effort upfront requires less energy and allows me to better appreciate the results when time comes.
Winter is also the best time to act to prevent pests and diseases. To say I LOVE to growing fruit trees is an understatement. But these fragile trees require special attention to prevent small bugs from infesting them when the warmth returns. So, every February, armed with my handhelds prayer, I diligently apply homemade dormant oil to each one, trusting that it will prevent aphids or mildew from attacking my trees.
But Nature has its own way and sometimes, despite my prevention efforts, I discover unwelcomed insects or fungi on the tender new leaves in early Spring. This is when I change my gardening hat, spring into action, and use the most appropriate response to restore balance among the green community. To do this, I use different strategies: weeding, completely removing a plant from the garden, or applying an organic treatment.
But that’s only part of the job. Most plants, vegetables, bushes and trees grow just fine, healthy and free from pests and diseases. And to continue growing, they need my constant nurturing attention to provide them with water, nutrients and care. There is nothing else I can do to speed up the growth process.
You won’t help shoots grow by pulling them up higher. – Chinese Proverb
Attempts to speed it up are doomed to failure. So, drawing all the patience I have from deep within, I lovingly provide the best conditions I can for plants to not only survive but thrive healthy, bear fruits and reproduce. It is at this moment that I feel most that I belong to Nature. Being connected in reciprocity, giving, receiving, and sharing bring flow and a natural and joyful meaning to my life.
And once I have looked forward to harvesting and enjoying the fruits, vegetables, herbs and the garden has been laid to rest in the Fall, it is again time to plan and envision the next flourishing season. Introducing new species into the plant community, exploring new cultivation techniques, switching to even more regenerative practices, are all ways to ensure the sustainability and succession of my forest garden.
LIFE AS A GARDEN
These four key actions are exactly what we need to thrive as human beings. Using our energy wisely allows us to not deplete our Qi, to be more balanced and help us meet life with just the right amount of energy directed in the right direction so that we can flourish.
Prevent the arisen of unwholesome states that haven’t arisen yet
Just as the gardener plans ahead and envisions the thriving season by preventing pests and diseases from entering the garden, we can set the intention to live a life free from harmful thoughts and actions. By cultivating mindfulness and practicing renunciation or restraint, we can prevent the emergence of these harmful patterns and habits and foster inner harmony.
Abandon unwholesome states that have arisen
No matter how deep and sincere our intention, we will sometimes experience unwholesome states of mind. This is humanity’s predicament. It is then that with understanding, kindness and self-compassion, we can weed the soil of our lives and let go of what no longer serves us anymore, leaving space for growth and renewal.
Maintain wholesome states that have already arisen
Like a flower heading toward the sun, we have the power to nurture the healthy thoughts, words, and actions we already have access to. We all experience moments of generosity, contentment, kindness and wisdom in our lives. But we can miss their energy if we are not attuned or willing to notice them. Through mindfulness practices like Qigong and meditation, we can attend to the beauty of possibilities already present in our lives. And once available in the field of our consciousness, we can find ways to stimulate and maintain them.
Arise wholesome states that haven’t arisen yet
Change is the one concept we can be certain of. Just like the seasons in the garden, life is an endless cycle where we have the opportunity to sow and cultivate new seeds leading us towards greater ease and peace, towards a greater life.
This summer, I plan to make the most of all the fruits of my past efforts. Silently contemplate the colors, textures, smells, and sounds of life. After 4 years, the garden requires less energy as the members of the plant community support each other better than I could do for them. In my personal journey as well, I choose to walk towards a place of effortless effort where balance and harmony reign supreme.
Happy Gardening!
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