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Re: Come into Mother Earth's Garden and Share Her Beauty and Abundance
11/6/2007 9:14:44 PM

"Organic or not to Organic?"


THAT is the question!

******************************************************************************************************

Why does it have to be either one or the other? Seems to me that we as a people have developed a peculiar singular  polarity at being one or the other on everything - right or left, Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative,  "organic" or "chemical".

Why does everything need to be identified with a "polar tag label"? For that matter, why do we have to live that way? I  suppose it is easier to describe something or someone if we don't have to consider that vast "middle ground" that lies between. I suppose also that it is easier to take a stand somewhere if we don't have to consider to many facts.

Consider for a moment if we had to describe everything instead of applying labels. Why, the "Hillbilly" might have to  be described thusly:

"A rotund, scruffy-looking chap of average height with an obvious aversion to shaving and being hygienically  challenged coupled with having an obvious lack of understanding for proper fashion etiquette and decorum"

Doesn't quite "ROLL OFF THE TONGUE" does it? Well it's OK by me if we apply a few labels now and then. After all I'm to  lazy to wrestle with to many big words. But don't call me "ORGANIC"! Rather call me "pragmatic", "realistic", "respectful", "understanding", "enlightened" - anything but organic. I may garden using "organic methods", but that  doesn't mean that the "Hillbilly" won't pick up a bottle of good old "chemicals" should the need arise. I'm a realist with a deep respect for the land and environment, myself, my family and those who come after me. In other words, I'm  a "realistic middle-grounder" who doesn't subscribe to earthly "polar absolutes"!

A good gardener is expected to learn, grow, adapt and use good judgment constantly. And learning tells the  gardener that the right chemicals, used in moderation, at the right times, for the right purposes and at the right concentrations DO NOT harm the environment as some would lead you to believe. Growth and good judgment as a  gardener teaches you prudence as to when it is proper to reach for the "BIG GUNS" rather than continue to do battle  with less effective means simply because they're "organic".

Proper prudence and good judgment in everything we do dictates that we use the minimum amount of force needed to  Effect the change desired. What this means is that for the vast majority of gardening efforts, organic methods are  extremely adequate. But if you have a crop of poison ivy to eradicate or army worms are invading your garden, sticking by your organic methods is foolhardy to say the least.

Some facts to consider with the scenarios above (and there are many more).

      Poison Ivy, given the right circumstance can and has led to documented cases of blindness, respiratory lockages, Acute infections, hearing loss and a host of other  problems. Even though you may have handled it many times before, he human body goes through a physiological change approximately every 7 years and what caused you no ill effect this year may trigger an acute allergic reaction next year. Simply put, it doesn't mean you're immune - just "lucky".
 
      Army Worms invade by the thousands all at once. Anyone who has seen such an invasion will not soon forget the brown carpet" of worms moving across the ground. Organic methods normally require the pests to ingest fairly  large amounts of the substance over longer periods of time in order to have the desired effect. If thousands of  worms each ate enough of your garden to be effected by the organic substances, how much garden would be left? As  there  are currently few chemicals and no organics that will kill on contact, wouldn't you want to limit the number  of bites out of your plants needed to be effective to be as few as possible?

      Grasshoppers are another one that should be mentioned, even though they weren't mentioned before because they Are so common. Most organic methods are largely ineffectual against them and those that are, require very high Amounts to be ingested as Grasshoppers are somewhat unaffected by most organic methods. In normal years, the populations of these critters are low enough that it is not a big deal to control them organically. But what about  when they have one of their periodic explosions when they emerge by the thousands?  And Termites! But we won't go there now. But I will tell that the most commonly used so-called "organic" control is not organic at all!

True gardening isn't about being "organic" or "chemical". It's about having a respect for your soil, your garden, your environment and yourself. It's about using good judgment and only bringing as much force to bear as is needed and occasionally it might require a "bigger hammer". But after the emergency has past - put that big hammer back in your  toolbox. You don't need it anymore and if you used good judgment and sound reasoning, your big hammer will grow rusty from lack of use and the land and environment will heal as if nothing happened. But your big hammer will still be their - just in case.

So don't let yourself be labeled as one or the other. But rather respect and care for the land and the environment,  use only the amount of force needed to effect change and you will be labeled "A GOOD STEWARD".


the "Hillbilly Gardener"


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Sarah Pritchard

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Re: Come into Mother Earth's Garden and Share Her Beauty and Abundance
11/7/2007 2:58:55 PM
Pauline,

Welcome back.

I loved the pics.

The plant in the rocks reminded me of the plants that are growing in the rocks as you walk out of our village, to go down to the river. Some of the plants have pretty flowers on them.

Perhaps a bird dropped the seeds there.  That reminds me another story but I'm too tired at the mo.

Will come back with that one tomorrow.



Thanks for coming back.  Look forward to more pics.

blessings,

Sarah
Angel Cuddle Cafe Empowering You to Live with Ease in Love, Joy and Abundance Angel Cuddle Publishing Angel Cuddle Trails Click here with your ghostwriting needs
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Sarah Pritchard

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Re: Come into Mother Earth's Garden and Share Her Beauty and Abundance
11/7/2007 3:09:12 PM
Dimitra,

Cats are beautiful creatures and very wise.

A horse would be rather smelly in an apartment!!!!! LOL

Polly & Loupio are lovely.  They have beautiful eyes that make you melt.

The children take them for walks and ride them bareback. They bring them along to petanque sometimes, but they cheat and move the boules!!

Loupio was actually playing football with the girls the other day!

Here's a horse you could have in your apartment:



Thanks for coming back.

Angel cuddles,

Sarah
Angel Cuddle Cafe Empowering You to Live with Ease in Love, Joy and Abundance Angel Cuddle Publishing Angel Cuddle Trails Click here with your ghostwriting needs
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Sarah Pritchard

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Re: Come into Mother Earth's Garden and Share Her Beauty and Abundance
11/7/2007 3:25:44 PM
Lyndell,

I'm glad you made it. I don't care if the Hillbilly is quote:
"A rotund, scruffy-looking chap of average height with an obvious aversion to shaving and being hygienically  challenged coupled with having an obvious lack of understanding for proper fashion etiquette and decorum"

That made me chuckle.

My writing has now turned green. Do you have that effect on everything?

You are very welcome here and I loved your article.  I try to be "organic" but must admit to not being absolutely "o"

I particularly liked your comments about the true gardener:
"True gardening isn't about being "organic" or "chemical". It's about having a respect for your soil, your garden, your environment and yourself. It's about using good judgment and only bringing as much force to bear as is needed and occasionally it might require a "bigger hammer". But after the emergency has past - put that big hammer back in your  toolbox. You don't need it anymore and if you used good judgment and sound reasoning, your big hammer will grow rusty from lack of use and the land and environment will heal as if nothing happened. But your big hammer will still be their - just in case."

and stewardship.  That ties in with what I said at the beginning when introducing Mother Earth's garden.  God has put man on the Earth as a steward to take good care of the Earth.

Thank you for your contribution.

Angel cuddles,

Sarah


Couldn't resist this!
Angel Cuddle Cafe Empowering You to Live with Ease in Love, Joy and Abundance Angel Cuddle Publishing Angel Cuddle Trails Click here with your ghostwriting needs
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Re: Come into Mother Earth's Garden and Share Her Beauty and Abundance
11/7/2007 4:52:54 PM
Sarah,

ROFLMAO !!!!! You're to much my friend. Yes the Hillbilly does have a "GREEN" effect on some folks - BUT USUALLY AROUND THE GILLS !! Where in the world did you get the pic -

GOTTA HAVE IT
GOTTA HAVE IT
GOTTA HAVE IT

Oh and Sarah, did I mention that I would like to find out where you found the neat Hillbilly Pic?
LOL

Those who know me best, know that it is my pleasure to help anyone with their gardening and outdoor living issues either directly or in our newsletter. I never charge for information because I believe people have a duty to help each other and gardeners especially need to help each other so that we can each leave a lasting legacy for our grandchildren. Many Kuddos on a great forum. Oh and by the way - you've got a really nice forum here. LOL


the "Hillbilly Gardener"
Lyndell (Jerry) Miller
(417) 777-2285
plantman.ozarks@yahoo.com
www.jerrysplantsonline.com
www.icelebrateholidays.com

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