Seeds
Oh the joy of planting a seed. The promise of things to come and the abundance that can follow (fingers crossed). I look down in amazement at a tiny seed in my hand and by the act of placing it into the soil, can produce a flower, a healing herb or baskets full of produce and then seeds again. We have planted the first of the seeds for our spring and summer crops, they are snug and warm in the greenhouse. The surprise and joy when the first little shoot pops up never gets old. "Hello plant", such a connection that goes from first holding the seed, to tending the plants, to then eating, using, smelling or enjoying the beauty, collecting seeds and composting. A powerful cycle.
Another seed that has been planted came from John Seed. He is 81 years old and is still doing an amazing job with people and planet. His work has been around Deep Ecology, he is an environmentalist, a teacher, leader and an activist. I heard him speak a few years ago which was so inspiring. Lately he has been popping back into our lives through talks with Morag Gamble and Sarah Wilson, we will try to attend his workshop in October at Narrara, the eco village where John lives. Other members of our Growing Together Circle have been or are going to his workshops, this will be an amazing discussion when our circle gathers. My big take away at the moment from his teachings is humans are not the boss of everything, we are just a part of the ecology. When we realise this we can look at the earth systems differently. He also speaks of the value of gathering together. We are feeling the benefits from our circle gatherings, learning so much from others and feeling so much support and connection. The power of the people.
Mark and I, with our Grandchildren, were sitting by our local lake, down where it meets the ocean and with the forest behind us. We asked them about the geography of this place, looking around they spoke of the landscape, the forest, lake, rocks, etc. We then asked them about the Ecology of this place, taking turns they each started to name different parts, ducks, ants, plants, trees, grass, insects. "Me, I'm part of it" says Koa, they even included the moss and lichen. What an experience, we were sitting in this beautiful place together realising we are just part of the ecology.
There has been a new circle born of late - The singing Circle. Our swimming Mermaids are gathering once a fortnight to become The Sirens - Mermaids luring sailors to their death with their beautiful singing voices. We haven't lured any sailors as yet but we have certainly experienced the joy of singing together. We are each taking turns in choosing songs and there is an invitation to tell a story about your connection to that song.
We have an abundance of lemons at the moment, one great way to use these is in this syrup. This recipe is great in teas, making dressings or sauces, or take a spoonful if you have a sore throat, cold or flu.
Lemon Ginger and honey Syrup
- Lemons - sliced
- Ginger - sliced
- Honey
- Herbs are optional
In a clean jar layer the lemon, ginger and honey until the jar is full, make sure the honey is covering the lemon and ginger. Ferment for about 2-3 days, de-gassing and turning the jar over. The honey will liquify. After fermentation, store in the fridge.
We have also been squeezing lots of oranges and lemons. A great way of using the peels is to make a cleaner. Put the skins of the citrus into a jar and top up with vinegar. Leave for about 4 weeks, turning occasionally. Strain and transfer to a spray bottle using 50/50 of the vinegar solution and water. Start cleaning, smells amazing.
Something has been nipping the garlic off at the base, it has only happened to the garlic out the front, so disappointing, the garlic out the back is safe for now. I have been wondering what could have done this. Someone suggested the cockies have been at play. GRRR, THE COCKIES, I have had several arguments with them over the years. They have not gotten the concept of the fair share ethic yet. My experience with them in the past is that if I only talk human to them, they pay no notice of me. I have to flap about screeching for them to move along, the other day I also had two watering cans that I was flapping about, they looked at me for a while and then reluctantly flew off. I wonder what my neighbours think. I know we are all just part of the ecology but has anyone got any other ideas about how to communicate with cockies.
The bird flu is a concern and we are learning what we can do to reduce the risk to our girls. We will have to take away their outside drinking bowls and start feeding them in their night enclosure. Any other suggestions welcome.
Enjoy the amazing transitions as we head into spring, let us know what's happening in your world.
Sending love - Deb
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