Spreading the Joy of Gardening, with Ellen Mary (vegan), Part 2 of 2

In today’s episode, she shares some tips for people who would like to start their own garden. “Starting a garden can seem like such a big task, definitely. I would always say, start small. So just start with thinking about what it is you would like to grow. Grow something that you know you would like to see or eat, first of all. I would generally always say start with growing salads because they're very easy to grow, salad leaves, and spring onions and carrots, for example, and then plants like nasturtiums and planting for pollinators as well, because you might want some of the things that you're growing to be pollinated by bees and such like. If you've got a garden, just make a small bed, give it a good mulch with some organic, well-rotted compost, and then start sowing your seeds.”

As Ms. Mary uses no chemicals at all in her veganic garden, she explains how she deals with garden pests. “It's all about prevention rather than eradication. So, there's lots of netting so the birds can't pinch my onions. And I use lots of twigs and sticks that I cover over my beans, so that they can't get to them. So, it's about preventing it rather than eradicating it.”

As the interview drew to a close, Ms. Mary shared these final thoughts with our global audience. “I think that we need to remember that we are nature. We are no different to animals and fish and trees and plants. We are all species that live on this planet together. And I think when you remember that you are nature, I think that helps you to view everything outside in a much more holistic approach.”

Our most cherished Supreme Master Ching Hai reminds us that gardening is very beneficial for our well-being. “Instead of spending your time thinking nonsense sometimes, or feeling sad about something, just go and plant a pot of flowers, fruits, vegetables. Spend your energy on something conducive, and then you’ll feel happy. We are made from earth and water anyway. So if you are in contact with earth and water, that also makes you feel like you are in your element. You naturally feel happy. That’s why the research has found out that the most happily married couples are the farmers.”