Page 23 - Silver Lakes September 2021

LIFESTYLE

THE SECRETS OUR

GARDENS HOLD

By Michelle L. Raymond

t is that time of year again. The birds are Oschman JL, Chevalier G, Brown R.J Inflamm Res. Secret 3 - Sustenance
building their nests, trees are bearing new 2015 Mar 24;8:83-96. doi: 10.2147/JIR.S69656. A man, let’s call him Steve, visited a
Ileaves, and new buds are sprouting, all in nursery in March 2020. Perhaps he knew
preparation for the abundance of summer. Secret 2 - Bees, Birds and Bugs something about the challenges ahead
We have all heard about the importance and wanted to be prepared. He purchased
It is also a great time to get stuck into the of bees and their role in the ecosystem. a large number of vegetables and fruit
garden, clear out the old and dead and It is easier, I suppose, to market how trees. The owner approached Steve to
ask what he was planning to do with
make space for the new. important bees are because of what all the plants. Steve said he wanted to
they produce: honey - the sweet by- completely redesign his garden to be fully
Of course, gardening is more than just product of hard work, dedication and sustainable for the coming months ahead
adhering to the standards of the HOAs brilliant organisation - qualities that are and beyond. The owner, curious about this
and keeping up appearances. To many, so admirable to us humans. But what plan, told him that he would have way too
gardening is a way of connecting to about the ants, the chafer beetles, the much produce to consume just for himself.
a tiny piece of nature. Not only can a earthworms and the woodlice? They, too, Steve, without hesitation, responded that
garden produce an aesthetically pleasing play a vital role in the delicate balance he intends to share the yield with his
environment, but it also holds a few secrets of nature, and their systems are equally neighbours and community.
- if we are willing to pay attention. extraordinary. Maybe one day, through
biomimicry or entomology, we will learn Imagine a world like that? One in which we
Secret 1 - Grounding their secrets too and then appreciate all share in each other’s harvest. It is true
that what we sow, we reap - but what we
This is a fancy word for walking or standing them for it. share creates abundance.
barefoot on the earth. The benefits to
our well-being that science shows is And for the bird lovers: Thank you to Fanie and the staff from The
extraordinary - not that I need peer- What is a garden without birds Farm Nursery in Beverley for the passion,
reviewed papers to convince me. The but a life only the deaf and blind could knowledge and enthusiasm you have. And
feeling I get from having the grass or sand comprehend? also for sharing that inspiring story with me.
beneath my feet is evidence enough for What secret songs do they sing
me. Nonetheless, here is what the medical whistling among themselves through Spring, with its blooms, blossoms and
journals are saying about the power of the trees? sprouts, is a reminder to pause and marvel
connecting our feet to the earth: at the wonder and the secrets our gardens
We can see them if only we look. hold. Why else would it want to show off?
Grounding (earthing) has an effect on We can hear them if only we hear.
inflammation, the immune response, wound We can understand them, if only we invite Visit www.michellelraymond.com for
healing, and the prevention and treatment of more.
chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. them into our gardens.

INTRA MUROS SEPTEMBER 2021 21