A good selection of perennials provides an ongoing framework for the organic flower garden. Perennials are plants which flourish, then die back before re-establishing themselves in a seasonal cycle which should continue for at least several years. They can almost be considered permanent in cooler climates which provide favourable growing conditions. On account of this longevity, it is worthwhile preparing their ground thoroughly prior to planting. Most perennials benefit from well aerated soils which contain substantial quantities of thoroughly broken down organic materials such as compost, manure, and leaf mould.

Healthy juveniles are generally available as potted plants from organic nurseries and plant wholesalers. In temperate climates these can be transplanted to the garden throughout the year although spring and autumn are preferred.

While securing nursery stock will save time by enabling plants to establish themselves earlier, this approach can work out expensive when the garden is substantial and requires a large quantity of plants. In this case, an ideal alternative is to raise perennials from seed. Most gardeners choose to commence their seedlings in punnets. This will provide some protection against external uncertainties and can also assist the effective placement and arrangement of plants in planned flower beds.

For the inexperienced, it is sensible practice to visit and speak with as many experienced gardeners as possible. Ask them to recommend flowering shrubs and perennials which are well adapted to local conditions and exhibit some natural resistance against insect pests. These plants will be easier to raise and maintain organically, without resorting to chemical treatments.

Much of the effort needed to maintain decorative perennials is devoted to establishing a sense of order and structure. An excessively crowded flower garden is difficult to manage and may contribute to preventable problems. It is much easier to keep on top of things by digging out any spreading or poorly spaced plants. These can usually be divided and given to friends, or replanted in different areas of the garden.

Flowers should be removed as they fade. When seasonal conditions allow, most plants will produce a second bloom. Otherwise, it is common practice to cut them back to ground level. This removes opportunities for incubating disease or insect problems and encourages healthy growth and flowering during the subsequent season. In saying that, a few varieties of chrysanthemum should be left intact since they develop particularly attractive seed heads during winter. Among shrubs, hydrangea blooms should also be preserved to protect the following year’s growth.

In traditionally inspired flower gardens, annuals provide a decorative background which serves to highlight the presence of long lasting and permanent residents. In warm temperate climates, the majority of annuals flower within several months of sowing then commence to produce their own seeds before dying within a nine month period. Their lifespan however, is greatly determined by the local climate and growing conditions. In cool climates they can mimic perennials and last for several growing seasons.

More recently, popular annuals have been selectively bred for increased flowering and longevity. Most organic gardeners will grow a number of annual varieties, selecting them carefully for their versatility and natural resistance against commonly encountered disease and insect problems.

Flowering annuals should be applied creatively, perhaps in similar ways that a painter works with a brilliant palette of fresh colour. If the garden looks bare, annuals can provide some temporary cover while the slower growing permanent plants begin to establish themselves. Later on, annuals can be selectively planted to provide large masses, clumps, or sprays of colour which complement and enhance the permanent residents.

Don’t miss opportunities to grow annuals in locations where they are easily seen and enjoyed. Aim to plant the tallest annuals and perennials at the centre of flower beds with low growing varieties surrounding them. A simple border of flowers will decorate and visually uplift pathways, fences, and walls. They can be used to brighten verandas and patios or grown inside containers on a windowsill. Many annuals can be sown directly but most common varieties can also be purchased from nurseries as punnet stock.

In a manner similar to other fashion trends, these plants are marketed each season in a range of summer and winter flowering editions. Until recently, the readily available varieties of organically certified seedlings were plainly packaged and varied little from year to year. The current trend is to compete with the sales distribution of conventional seedling stock by increasing availability and including some additional marketing information to encourage sales.

When purchasing seedling stock, aim to obtain compact plants with healthy green foliage. Tall and straggly seedlings have probably been rushed ahead with fertilisers and growth promoting chemicals while those with yellowing leaves may be physically stressed. The ideal situation for most annuals is a well aerated soil with a sufficient amount of well incorporated organic material to hold moisture. Some varieties have strong preferences for full sun or partial shade, although many will accommodate either with little trouble.

Immature plants are often attacked by slugs, snails, and caterpillars. These can be controlled by physical removal and installing aromatic companion herbs such as chives, peppermint, and cloves.

Once they are transferred to their garden locations, flowering annuals should be carefully watched for signs of dehydration and nutrient deficiency. Because of their quick growth cycles and rapid responsiveness, experienced organic growers tend to use these plants as a barometer for conditions within the garden.

The maintenance of flowering annuals is relatively straightforward but potentially time consuming in larger gardens which contain a significant number of bedding plants. To develop attractively and exhibit their flowers to full advantage, some varieties require lots of minor attention throughout their development. This usually involves pinching back the growing tips to encourage the correct balance of concentrated vertical and outward spreading development. Fading flowers need to be periodically removed to encourage regeneration and dying plants will need to be removed and replaced.

When there are restrictions on the availability of gardening time, it is probably better to have fewer annuals and to consciously choose varieties which do not require a lot of shaping and have flowers which last well before drying out and separating neatly from their stalks.

The term herb is used to describe those plants which are commonly selected for their culinary, therapeutic, cleansing, and devotional properties. Throughout history, herbs have been associated with the cultural and religious practices of many influential civilisations. In ancient Greece, bay leaves were fashioned into garlands and presented as praise offerings to triumphant athletes of the original Olympiad events. In a similar manner, fresh and dried leaves were included as part of the ritual and sacred offerings to the ancient deities.

Aside from these ceremonial applications, the Greeks appreciated the therapeutic and culinary aspects of this richly aromatic plant. For example, fresh bay leaves were steeped in jars of olive oil which were then massaged into tired muscles for improving circulation and alleviating the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism. During festivals, mixtures of dried bay leaves and other herbs were added to enrich the warm flavours of wine, and to savour meat dishes, particularly lamb, and goat.

It is interesting to note that herbs have always played a significant role in the formal exchanges, exploration and trading ventures which have initiated contact and dialogue across previously separate cultures. Persian traders exchanged aromatic oils, herbs and spices for the delicate silks and tapestries of the Far East. Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch sailors extended the boundaries of the known world in the search for new and exotic flavours which were desperately sought by Europeans. In the increasingly connected world of today, this process continues as individuals explore the benefits of garden herbs which are both readily available and gathered from all corners of the globe.

Unlike some categories of plant which can be difficult to obtain and grow, most of the useful herbs are naturally common and resilient plants which can be gathered from their wild state or cultivated with minimal preparation and effort. Organically grown herbs are suitable for planting in  many environments including ordinary garden beds, raised beds, open ground and surrounds, potted gardens,  balconies, windowsills, indoor herbariums, and roof gardens.
 
In discreet and subtle ways, raising a humble organic herb garden can smooth the sometimes difficult transition away from biologically unsustainable consumerism. Despite strategically packaged advertising campaigns, much of the so called individualism within contemporary society is simply masking an underlying conformity and the lack of creative vision.

Contemporary societies are now increasingly dependent on chemically based agriculture and other industrial processes which damage the environment and increase global energy consumption toward dangerously high levels. A trend toward increased work commitments and the associated constraints imposed upon leisure and recreational time have encouraged an over supply of low quality convenience and takeaway foods. Many of us have responded by adopting healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. While a thoughtful approach to nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction, is widely recommended, there remain some hidden opportunities for assuming greater control of health and wellbeing amidst the routine activities of life.

Over the last century, supermarkets, pharmacies and bathroom cabinets have replaced fields and gardens as the initial source of relief and treatment for minor cuts, burns, colds, indigestion and similar everyday ailments. On a worldwide scale, sales of non prescription medications amount to billions of dollars every year. From both the therapeutic and environmental perspectives, many of the old fashioned herbal remedies offer an excellent alternative. For example, the pain of minor burns or skin irritation can be reduced with the gel like sap of organically grown Aloe vera. When applied directly to the affected site, a natural ingredient known as barbaloin provides cooling, antiseptic, and moisturising properties which alleviate discomfort and promote healing.

Organically grown herbs are also suitable for reducing our dependence on chemical based household products. Today’s leading brand insect repellents and knockdown sprays are safer than those distributed several decades ago, however, they still remain a potentially dangerous product for babies, young children, and individuals coping with food intolerance, allergies, or compromised immune function. There are a number of herbs which naturally discourage flies, mosquitoes, and similar nuisance insects.

Common mint, basil, rosemary, and lavender are all highly recommended for planting around patios, barbecues, and other outdoor entertainment areas. External clothing can be lightly sprayed with a cold infusion of these herbs combined with a few drops of citronella, or clove oil. Fresh garden herbs can also be used to supplement the growing range of organic skincare and personal hygiene products. For example, a cold rinse of nettle leaves will strengthen and condition hair. Chamomile is used to lighten and condition fair hair, while a rinse containing ground ginger root can be used to treat problem dandruff without the side effects of harsh chemical based preparations. Nasturtium leaves can be soaked in water overnight then used as a mild facial cleanser and toner.

Despite their adaptability and tolerance under most growing conditions, it is worthwhile ensuring that garden herbs are cultivated according to sound organic principles. To an expert, high quality herbs can be identified by their colour, texture, aroma, and in the case of therapeutic varieties, for the strength of their healing properties. In many instances, their quality can be objectively evaluated, by measuring the actual concentrations of the pharmacologically active constituents. This has been demonstrated in common garlic which is widely recognised for its ability to control infection by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. When garlic is planted in nutrient deprived soils there will be significantly lower concentrations of the active ingredient known as allicin. Garlic possessing low allicin concentrations will not provide the range of therapeutic effects which are available from higher quality bulbs. In a similar manner, the quantity and potency of the aromatic oils obtained from basil, thyme, and rosemary are significantly reduced in plants raised with chemical fertilisers.

Organic cultivation ensures that garden herbs contain fewer contaminants than conventionally grown varieties. Increased purity and biological safety are relevant for ensuring the optimum nutritional benefits of fresh and dried herbs. Adding herbs to salads, soups, drinks, vegetarian, and meat dishes is an easy way to increase the daily supplies of antioxidant compounds. When included as part of a balanced nutrient intake, organically raised herbs assist the body to improve its natural resistance against disease and to repair cellular damage associated with stress, illness, ageing, and environmental factors such as poor air quality.

Many herbs have strong effects on the body, and several are potentially dangerous, so it is wise to proceed cautiously and always seek advice from a naturopath or similar professional when considering therapeutic applications.  

With a small amount of planning, most herbs will contribute to the natural efficiency and beauty of the organic approach to gardening. Many herbs make excellent companion plants, improving soil chemistry and other conditions to assist the growth of another species. For example, in dry climates basil is traditionally grown alongside tomatoes to improve their flavour and reduce the incidence of aphid and whitefly infestation. In both the carefully designed or casual garden, many species of herb provide excellent ground covers to protect precious topsoil from wind and water erosion.

Instead of the conventional hybrid grasses, plant chamomile to create a lawn which releases an exotic spiced apple scent across the entire garden every time it is trodden upon. All herbs are suitable for inclusion in compost, and many can be treated as green manures or processed into rich liquid supplements. Nettle, clover, mustard, and comfrey are all particularly good for reinvigorating tired soils. While certain herbs are known to repel troublesome insects, many others are capable of attracting beneficial insects and predators. For example flowering lavender, thyme, and oregano will attract pollinating bees while their foliage can provide refuge for helpful predators like lacewing, beetles, ladybird, small garden spiders, and lizards.

There’s a lot that’s been written about why we should – and for that matter why we shouldn’t – be eating organic food these days. I don’t intend to go into a monologue covering off on every one of these arguments. Instead, I thought it might be worthwhile taking a quick look at some of the chemicals that can find their way into our food chain. But first, let’s consider why they’re there in the first place.

Fertilizers and pesticides are the two main sources of introduced chemicals into our food chain. Fertilizers are intended to increase plant foliage and generally to make plants appear larger and more healthy. Research has found that synthetic fertilizers lower the nutritional content of fruits and vegetables and also have the potential to reduce human reproductive capabilities.

Pesticides are designed to control and kill unwanted organisms. A wide range of pesticides exists. The more commonly known pesticides include:

Pesticides of concern due to their toxicity and the environmental hazard they pose include:

Organophosphates – a family of highly toxic pesticides that work by killing the brains and nervous systems of insects. Organophosphates are still widely used and have been found in disturbingly high quantities on many fruits and vegetables. Research has found that these chemicals can also harm the brains and nervous systems of human beings.

Dieldrin – an organochlorine insecticide which, although now banned in the United States, is highly persistent and still present in many soils. It was introduced to control insects in cotton, corn and citrus crops, and also to limit the spread of diseases carried by insects, such as mosquitoes and tsetse flies. Classified as a persistent organic pollutant (POP), it has the capacity to remain in the environment and in human body fat for long periods of time.

Lindane – a broad spectrum organochlorine insecticide that kills insects by stimulating their central nervous systems causing trembling, hyperexcitation, loss of coordination, paralysis, and eventually death. Although banned from use in agriculture in the United States, it is still used in many pharmaceutical products, for example in shampoo formulations designed to treat head lice in children. It is persistent in the environment, tends to bio-accumulate along food chains and has been linked with breast cancer and Aplastic anaemia. A campaign aimed at removing lindane from pharmaceutical products, which you can get involved with, is currently being waged by the Pesticide Action Network of North America.

Methomyl – a broad-spectrum insecticide from the carbamate group used to control insects in a wide range of crops. As a carbamate, it works by inhibiting cholinesterase, an essential enzyme for proper functioning of the nervous system. This acutely toxic insecticide is found in many fruits and vegetables. It is also a suspected endocrine disruptor and a potential groundwater contaminant,

Maleic Hydrazide – a herbicide used to prevent crops such as onions and potatoes from sprouting. It contains small quantities of hydrazine, a known toxin, which has the potential to leak into water reservoirs.

It’s important to remember that as time passes new knowledge comes to hand. Many chemicals that were once considered acceptable for use within the food chain are now specifically banned. Unfortunately, many of these are not banned until such time a positive correlation exists between the specific chemical in question and an adverse human health impact.

And although many of the more toxic chemicals have, due to our more enlightened frame of reference, been banned in much of the developed world, increasingly we’re sourcing our food from a range of countries that do not necessarily practice the same standards required of farmers in developed nations. Not all of these countries have phased out the use of chemicals many of which are now known to be carcinogenic and are banned in developed nations.

Is organic food entirely free from chemical additives? Well, it certainly aims to be. But, it’s important to realize that organic agriculture is a system. While no system is infallible, organic farming practices specifically precludes use of the pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, fumigants and defoliants routinely used on conventional farms. And that’s a pretty good starting position.

I’ll leave you with something I’ve always found fascinating. And that is, while it isn’t that difficult to find people advocating the use of fertilizers and pesticides to facilitate industrial agricultural pursuits – and even research concluding that agricultural chemicals don’t pose any risk to human health – you won’t find too many people (and certainly no research) claiming that these chemicals are good for your health. So, I for one will stick with the organic approach. It’s simple and it’s uncomplicated. And I think that’s just the way nature intended it to be.

References
Moses, Marion, Pesticides and breast cancer, Pesticides News 22, December 1993, 3-5
International Programme on Chemical Safety, Environmental health criteria 124, Lindane, World Health Organization, Geneva, 1991.
Gosselin, R. E., et al. 1984. Clinical toxicology of commercial products. Fifth edition. Baltimore, MD: Williams and Wilkins.
Dickens, F. , and Jones, H. E. H. , Brit. J. Cancer, 19, 392 (1965).
Davies, D.R., Organophosphates, affective disorders and suicide, Journal of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine, 1995, 5:367-374.
Parron, T., et. al., Increased risk of suicide with exposure to pesticides in an intensive agricultural area: A 12-year retrospective study. Forensic Science International, 1996, 79:53-63.
Pesticides News No 31, March 1996, p11.