Tap into the magic of creation
WESTDENE – Gardening enthusiasts flocked to Westdene to hear Jane Griffiths speak on organic gardening.
“A vegetable garden is not just a place to feed our bodies but a place to feed our souls, a place where you can tap into the magic of creation,”said Jane Griffiths.
For the first time in Griffiths’ career, she held a organic gardening talk in her own community at the Melville Wellness Centre and Day Spa on 7 May. Griffiths, a bestselling author and producer, spoke about her passion, gardening and sustainable living.
She told the audience of 70 individuals that we who live in a modern society have forgotten how to feed ourselves and rely on experts for everything, whereas we could be in control of our bodies by controlling what we eat.
Organic gardening starts with healthy soil, which is achieved by building up humus (organic matter). Humus creates the perfect environment for beneficial organisms, which creates a fertile environment for plants.
To keep this environment under the ground in balance, one must adopt a no dig system of gardening. In this system, one is not allowed to step on one’s garden beds, therefore, pathways and stepping stones in the garden are essential. One should also not dig deep when gardening unless it is to remove weeds, harvest root vegetables or prepare a new bed.
However, organic gardening does not start and end with the soil. Another trick is to invite natural cycles to take its course. According to Griffiths, do not panic if you see pests in your garden as you need organisms to feed off each other in a natural cycle to create a balanced environment.
Even though in gardening you sometimes work against nature, the most important thing is to emulate nature. “It is like wildlife viewing in the miniature,” Griffiths added.
Griffiths expressed she is still learning new things and encouraged her audience to make a change in their own lives by gardening organically. “If we could leave the little patch we live on in a better state than we found it, we would all be better off,” Griffiths expressed.
Audience members left with SA Garden and Home gift bags and other spot prizes to inspire and transform their gardens at home.
Details: Jane Griffiths, www.janesdeliciousgarden.com or 082 898 6953.
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