The difference between nature or nurture

By Rebecca James

I grew up with a garden and can’t imagine being without one. A garden provides a relaxed, and peaceful retreat from a demanding world. But the most productive gardens require knowledge, commitment and discipline. For me, this is a challenge. I like to experiment, learn and discover something unexpected.

A memorable moment in my plot was not when I produced a nice crop of beetroot, or a plentiful supply of salad greens. It was when I dug up a beautiful yellow and black striped frog! I was shocked and amazed. No frog has ever visited my pond at home, so this little fellow seemed to be a precious reward. I was sorry to have disturbed it, so I covered it up carefully and, bizarrely, I watered it before he could jump away!

A few years ago a friend asked me to join her at botanical art classes. Having just retired I thought I would give it a go. I look at plants differently now. I see the detail and structure. Someone at the ACG grew cornflowers last summer, and it inspired me to paint them. It’s good to paint as well as eat the harvest.

My challenge with gardening is to be more systematic and disciplined with what and how I grow things. I get excited by a bare patch and I tend to just plant something interesting in the hope it will grow. If some pansies or primula seeds from my added compost happen to self sow, I hate to pull them up. This is my battle between nature and nurture. Nature mostly wins so my plot is not one that has rows of disciplined, neat looking plants.

But now I am trying to do better. The plot owners on either side of me prepare the soil with cover crops, mulch prolifically, and plant in rows. My challenge for this summer is to have less self seeded chaotic flowers, and grow a row of beautifully staked and appropriately pruned tomatoes and to grow some lettuces in an orderly manner. I better start preparing the soil as spring is just around the corner!

Rebecca James

Secretary

Ashburton Community Garden