When I feel overwhelmed by the terrible news from around the world or things beyond my control, it helps my soul to do something I can succeed at – something that addresses one small problem of immediate need – rather than worrying about the huge, overwhelming things I have no power or influence to change. It may not bring about overall world peace, but it does give me a sense of accomplishment and focuses my energy on worthwhile endeavors instead of misery and frustration. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me, you and each one of us in our own small ways.
The act of gardening can be a revolutionary act of community service; a tribute to what some consider stewardship of the earth and her many gifts; and, of course, a fulfilling hobby. After six years of building Red Hen Gardens in New Harmony, my gardening is finally paying for itself – plus a little extra for fun.
Author Michael Pollan said, “The single greatest lesson the garden teaches is that our relationship to the planet need not be zero-sum, and that as long as the sun still shines and people still can plan and plant, think and do, we can, if we bother to try, find ways to provide for ourselves without diminishing the world.”
Sometimes I catch myself coveting some of my neighbor’s gorgeous gardens and yards and well-built greenhouses. But even with all those things a little out of reach, it’s possible to have a lush and healthy garden, or patio pots, with little financial investment. Gardening is one of the best hobbies for the innovative recycler like me.
Don’t let the sign “No Services Available” fool you about places like New Harmony, Utah. The abundance of generous and helpful gardeners who are willing to share their expertise and bounty will surprise even a shy visitor. My husband, “BABB,” and I love to share our home and garden with the many visitors who pass by or stop to ask for directions to Kolob, take pictures or share DIY ideas.
In remote places in rural Africa and crowded places in Asia, the creative uses of discarded water bottles and food containers as planting bins has inspired me to believe that money (or the lack thereof) does not impede our human spirits from producing our own food. Rooftop gardens, patio gardens and even kitchen window gardens are producing herbs and vegetables in homes from Iceland to the arid deserts of Dubai.
Even with oppressive sanctions and abject poverty, the small island nation of Cuba has been able to sustain and thrive with innovative and careful use of small plots of land they use for urban gardens – utilizing the castoff refuse that would otherwise go into landfills to build raised and controlled beds, sculpt and terrace the hillsides, or direct water to the vital fruit and vegetable gardens. (Visit www.youtube.com and search for “Urban Food Growing in Havana, Cuba” to see this in action.)
The world’s population is expected to increase to 11 billion in the next 20 years. Food shortages and the challenges that come with competing for resources will most likely push our foolish, greedy species to more war and abuse of the earth and her finite resources. Food is the one thing all societies cannot do without – as a Spanish proverb observes: “There are only seven meals between civilization and anarchy.”
World peace often feels like a lofty dream that only those insulated from the harsh realities and clutches of desperate survival can dream of, but we don’t have to be helpless while things deteriorate around us. By raising even a small portion of our own food, we can help alleviate the many pressures on our farmlands and commercial producers as well as help ensure the food we get is free of unhealthy chemicals or deadly pesticides.
We can make a difference right now with what we have – rich and poor, weak and strong, young and old. We can treat our neighbors better, have patience with those who wish us harm, and do something small every day to improve our own little corner of the world.
So let there be peas on earth, and let them begin with me.
Dana Dahl “walks her talk” for world peas by growing a lavish veggie garden and selling her homegrown produce at the Farmer’s Market in Springdale every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. She also does residential design and drafting at Dahlhaus Designs, (435) 590-7681.
This monthly “Peace on Paper” column is provided by the World Peace Gardens, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit foundation which holds weekly, nonsectarian gatherings every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. at Green Valley Spa, 1871 W. Canyon View Drive in St. George. All Gatherings are free to the public and encourage inner peace, world peace and sustainable living. For more information, visit www.WorldPeaceGardens.org or call (435) 703-0077.
