Growing a garden organically takes time and patience, but it is always worth the wait for the butterflies and bugs, worms and birds and, of course, for people, too. All of life begins to sing with renewed vigor and energy when we remove the artificial from the natural environment. Organic gardens can be so easy to understand. No synthetic chemicals, absolutely none. No artificial fertilizers, either. The soil is alive with organisms that are damaged by our synthetic materials. Lots of natural products are available to use if needed, such as pyrethrum-based insecticides, and there are biological controls such as BTs to use as well. Even the kitchen can provide help, such as baking soda remedies for powdery mildew. We have many helps to use if we need to manipulate nature in our gardens.  

    Some gardeners take things further in their quest for organic purity. They simply let their gardens grow, helping that happen by using the xeriscape principles in their gardens, including having a good plan that matches the site, amending the soil, choosing hardy plants according to water and sun needs, watering as needed and using mulch to keep the soil protected. Mulch helps keep weeds at bay. Organic mulch feeds nutrients back into the soil, creating a soothing blanket of protection. Mulching sets up a beautiful environment for most plants to grow in. Some plants do appreciate rock mulch over the wood mulches, especially deserty, dry-loving plants like agastache, succulents and cacti. But on the whole, I prefer the wood mulch, conserving water and protecting the sunless world of roots and biota in the soil below. Going green is easier when we realize that we are taking baby steps towards a new world, a cleaner world, a safer world and a world that offers many new wonders and opportunities for all.
                                Becky Elder  c 5-2008