Tags

In their uncultivated state, plants must continually depend on their adaptability for survival. In addition to accommodating local variations in their environment, they need to compete against rival plants for their share of soil nutrients and other resources like water, sunlight, and physical space. While this competition can frequently be harsh and unforgiving, there are also situations where plants benefit from establishing mutually co-operative relationships with non related species. By closely observing nature over many years, I have learnt to appreciate and accept these complex patterns of ecological rivalry and cooperation. In turn, this provides me with a useful foundation for establishing companion planting programs within my own organic...

A favourite spring recipe. Twenty spears of freshly cut asparagus. Steam for three minutes. Drizzle with the finest cold pressed organic olive oil. One twist of cracked pepper and a dash of lemon juice. What could be simpler or more enjoyable either as a light snack or prelude to further courses? This is a versatile vegetable, an accompaniment for many wonderful dishes yet so few of us bother growing it ourselves. Surprising, because the organically certified spears can be both difficult to obtain and expensive. Perhaps we’re discouraged by vegetables which cannot be planted then harvested in the same year. But really, that’s only a minor inconvenience, particularly in light of the fact that an established asparagus crown can be...