The Only Non-Native in My Garden
Registering as an organic supplier
My compact garden next to the sea is crammed with native plants and trees for our pollinators and other critters that make garden debris into soil, use debris as a home, and turn the cycle of new growth, blossom, finish, die, decay, new growth.
I chose a fig tree because the leaves give great landing pads for butterflies and ladybugs, but also because I love the fruit.
The tree was small and grew for three years before it fruited. In the summer of 2020, thirteen figs ripened in two to three days interval which meant I had the selfish pleasure of enjoying each one as they became ready.
Last summer, the fruit was very late indeed. I remembered some advice a farmer had given me, and cut off a sizeable piece of a branch that had no unripe fruit.
Sure enough, ten days later I picked four figs. Then I picked seven the next day. In short, I was giving figs to friends and neighbors. I lost count of how many fruits there were, and I picked a few more in October and November.
I asked my local organic produce shop if I could supply them. It turns out I need to be registered. So I am going through the process. I also grow tomatoes and wild strawberries.
This is exciting for me, although slow. Patience is key.
This winter, I have had flowers in bloom continuously. Climate catastrophe is here. It isn’t coming. It is here.
