Growing Success (a developing page)
As this project has evolved and its focus shifted, so have my definitions of success. I started with a particular set of notions about food production, and what I meant by food: crops grown, usually from purchased seed, in the back yard, with applications of compost and bone meal at certain times, and a watchful eye for weeds. Neighbours advised that the growing season here is short, and that this is not the greatest place to garden. I am not going to deny the validity of either of those statements, but for the first time in my pathetic gardening history I was able to harvest vegetables to put by for winter, without anybody ruining my garden before it had produced, so I considered my Bralorne garden to be a stellar success.
Observing the hillsides bristling with biomass, I thought "this climate certainly supports vegetation, even if I don't care to eat trees...there's potential here" (zone 3A coastal/montane/boreal). Now, I am not a green thumb by nature, and I dislike fussing. Those facts, coupled with a course in Permaculture, have broadened my notions about what food production means, and even what I mean by food--I now include foods never heard of in the supermarket. My definition of success has changed as well. For me to call a plant a success, it has to want to grow here, with minimal coaxing from me. I do not begrudge anyone the reward of seeing pampered plants bloom and yield...but effortful gardening is not the goal of this project.
Successes are products of "here"; foods that I am happy to consume and recommend to others, whether I had a hand in raising them or not: planted crops, feral "weeds", wild offerings; animal products too. Following is a list I'll add to, and I'll elaborate on each item over time. It's a work in progress: please visit and revisit, and share your thoughts as well.
Observing the hillsides bristling with biomass, I thought "this climate certainly supports vegetation, even if I don't care to eat trees...there's potential here" (zone 3A coastal/montane/boreal). Now, I am not a green thumb by nature, and I dislike fussing. Those facts, coupled with a course in Permaculture, have broadened my notions about what food production means, and even what I mean by food--I now include foods never heard of in the supermarket. My definition of success has changed as well. For me to call a plant a success, it has to want to grow here, with minimal coaxing from me. I do not begrudge anyone the reward of seeing pampered plants bloom and yield...but effortful gardening is not the goal of this project.
Successes are products of "here"; foods that I am happy to consume and recommend to others, whether I had a hand in raising them or not: planted crops, feral "weeds", wild offerings; animal products too. Following is a list I'll add to, and I'll elaborate on each item over time. It's a work in progress: please visit and revisit, and share your thoughts as well.
Planted annuals
broad beans
carrots
garlic
carrots
garlic
kale
pac choi
parsnips
peas, snap and snow
potatoes
parsnips
peas, snap and snow
potatoes
radishes
spinach
Swiss chard
turnips, summer and winter
turnips, summer and winter
Planted perennials
chives
oregano
parsley
oregano
parsley
rhubarb
sage
thyme
thyme
Planted trees and shrubs
apples
currants, black and red
gooseberries
raspberries
currants, black and red
gooseberries
raspberries
Feral greens
chickweed
dandelions
lambs quarters
dandelions
lambs quarters
Wild greens
cow parsnips
fireweed
thimbleberry shoots
fireweed
thimbleberry shoots
Wild trees and shrubs
blueberries
raspberries
saskatoon berries
soapberries
strawberries
thimbleberries
raspberries
saskatoon berries
soapberries
strawberries
thimbleberries