Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Embracing Imperfection

'Royal Sunset' Climbing Rose

One of the key concepts of organic gardening that is sometimes forgotten is the notion of learning to live with a little imperfection. There are going to be bugs, they are a part of nature as much as anything else and they are going to be attracted to any garden. In a well-balanced organic garden the plants will have a bit of damage from insects, but rarely is it to the extent that it is unbearable. But the bugs also mean there are going to be birds, animals and butterflies in the garden which add interest, sound and movement. Not a bad trade off in my opinion.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Everything in nature for a reason, if only for a season.

Anonymous said...

They are always there making that discovered moment of perfection ecstasy.
Donna

Anonymous said...

I couldn't agree more!
Plant Lady

cherry said...

oh this Royal Sunset is beautiful !

David Perry said...

Few things please me more than watching a couple of chickadees, or a band of bush tits come through on their daily sojourns, cleaning my plants of tasty pests. They may not get them all, but I do not worry that traces of systemic bug killers, being pulled up by the roots of my roses are settling into the fat deposits and nervous systems of these industrious little birds. I may not have perfect, utterly pest free roses, but I sleep like a baby knowing that I am partnering with them, knowing that they will be back tomorrow.

Kathleen said...

I wholeheartedly agree with you Sheila. My neighbors spray around the perimeters of their houses for spiders, insects, etc. but I won't even do that. I'm afraid it will harm the toads, birds, snakes, etc., that feed on them. I'll take the imperfect flower any day!