THIS QUIET DOODLE JUST SEEMED RIGHT for this contemplative week. Thank you, Andre Jordan, as ever for your bits and bobs of wit and wisdom.
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FROM THE WEEKLY PODCAST
beyond organic gardening: ecological horticulture
I WATCHED A ZOOM lecture the other day that really put into words a lot of the ways my own deepening understanding of ecology is shaking up the way I practice horticulture—from spring cleanup, right on to the last chore of the active year. The lecturer was Rebecca McMackin, director of horticulture for Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City, where she leads the team that manages 85 acres of diverse parkland with a central focus on habitat creation of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows to build soils and support birds, butterflies, and other organisms.
We talked about the dynamic tactics they use and when and why–a whole different approach to spring cleanup, where the life cycles of animals (from insects on up) dictate what happens when, garden maintenance-wise. Like why some things don’t get cut back, and others that are still seed-laden when they do have their seeds collected and set aside, then returned to the spot after whatever cleanup is needed there.
(Stream it below, read the illustrated transcript or subscribe free.)
Andre so sweetly and beautifully summarizes what we’ve been meditating on all week: Japan and,for me, just as much, Libya’s massacre. Thank you.
Lovely, indeed.
yes it seems this is very much a week to listen
Thank you, Andre, for your thoughtful doodles. It is interesting how so much of life is cyclical in nature, and your doodle points that out nicely. Today with the warmer weather, I plan to take time on my bench to listen.
we are all nature
Could anyone not be moved by what is happening in our world today? The bench as a metaphor for our world. Beautiful…
I agree with Andre… a perfect listening week.
I would love a poster of this drawing. Lovely.
Welcome to Stan, Jazmine, Dirty Girl, Vanessa. Glad that you added your voices to the conversation. I raked more yesterday and it was therapeutic; so grateful to the garden and to all of you here.
I can see our grass!
we do have grass!
our dog – so confused by grass still hunts down the last bits of snow to do ‘business’ on.
Andre I absolutely love the bench doodle. I have an amazing picture of a bench that looks out over the Napa Valley. A place I go to find a little peace and solitude from my corporate life. Your words fit perfectly.
Welcome, Cyndi. Your bench sounds like the perfect spot. Lucky you. Hope we see you soon again here, and thanks for saying hello.
Love the story…sweet.
Fantastic doodle and poem. Your website was just passed on to me by an admirer. I look forward to reading more.
Erica
Welcome, Erica. Andre is always there for me (for us!) with poignant (and sometimes naughty, in appropriate times) messages. We are here and look forward to your next visit.
I would love this doodle with it’s beautiful message made into a magnet :)
Thank you Andre !
Welcome, Lyn. Isn’t it a good one? Glad to see you here and hope to again very soon.
Could you tell me how to get a print of doodle by andre: time to be still??
Thanks
Jeni
ps.. I live in NE (local)
My all time favorite Andre doodle. Boy this one hit my heart.
Thanks so much Margaret,
Once again you and Andre have brightened a very discouraging day!
Thanks for the reminder—of peace. Hope you have peace despite the tirmoil in the world just now.
take care
L
Oh, I love this! I may have to post this somehow near my bench.
Love this.
Welcome, Candis. Andre is the best, isn’t he? Thanks for joining in, and see you soon again we hope.