I’m no gardener!
However, this year I managed to grow a small, but delicious crop of lovely tomatoes in a relatively small space. I started with good soil and compost and put my tiny new plant in a sunny spot. I watered and fed and offered some attention at times when my tomatoes were invaded by greenfly, or over heated in the sun or when a local cat considered my pot may provide a comfortable bed! I coaxed and encouraged when it appeared to be struggling – yes, I did indeed talk to my tomatoes! And slowly, imperceptibly, my plant grew and flowered, and expanded into full, ripe and lovely red tomatoes. There were a few casualties, and some imperfections, but overall – I have to say, I was delighted with the outcome!
Good Enough!
My tomatoes didn’t need a huge financial investment, they didn’t need a huge estate of parkland, not did they need my self-sacrifice. They simply needed an OK environment, a little time and some care and love. They would let me know if they felt unhappy or distressed, and I could be sufficiently attuned to respond to their needs. I would sometimes get it wrong, but there was something about being good enough and despite the odd mistake the tomatoes and I grew together.
Therapeutic
As I reflect on the time and attention I willingly gave my tomatoes, I am reminded of what is important in all of our relationships if we want them to be positive, warm, healthy and sustainable. Perhaps if we can all offer a little of the above to another, and indeed offer it to ourselves, then maybe we can all grow and flourish together.
Feel free to look at this permaculture website for some interesting thoughts on sustainable living and growing – and enjoy!