Super Debate
This is where I would like to discuss (and debate-- if anyone has other information) various topics in our world. Some will be more serious than others, but I will most likely avoid highly controversial stuff that (in my opinion) should not be discussed on an open forum where many people do not know each other intimately. At least once a week, I'll post a comment with a topic of choice and then write a bit of what I know and think about the subject. I encourage anyone to post, whether they agree with me or not. If you can, include as much information as possible about what you know and site any sources you use so that we can have references. Most important of all--- let's keep this civil. No human being is more important or better than another. We are all of great value, worth and potential-- that is not up for debate.
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TOPIC THIS WEEK- GARDENING & LANDSCAPE: EDIBLE VS ORNAMENTAL
ReplyDeleteBeing a "foodie" and someone who appreciates utility, I favor edible gardening and landscape over ornamental. I figure that edible plants can be very pretty on their own, but they can also be consumed. Why fill your yard with flowers and greenery that only "takes" and doesn't "give" anything more than its "beauty". Don't get me wrong, I love flowers! But, if I'm going to invest time and money into a yard or garden-- it better help me feed my family. I know that ornamentals can seem easier to take care of, so I sort of understand why people will use them in their garden or landscaping. But why the entire yard?
Let me know what you think.
Well obviously I go for the edible over the landscaping hence 2/3 of my front yard is my vegetable garden (it gets the most sun there of any other spot in our yard). So no debate here, I just agree with you!
ReplyDeleteI've had this book (http://www.amazon.com/Landscaping-With-Fruit-Strawberry-Homeowners/dp/1603420916/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=8IZHCX3NXN7I&coliid=I28ASUF8DI0I1K) on my Amazon wishlist for the last few years. Maybe I'll finally get it this year.
Sorry, hyperlink didn't go through. The book is: Landscaping With Fruit: Strawberry ground covers, blueberry hedges, grape arbors, and 39 other luscious fruits to make your yard an edible paradise. (A Homeowners Guide) by Lee Reich.
ReplyDeleteI've basically stopped growing all non essential items, if they were already in my yard, they can stay. And currently I'm growing green beans in my flower gardens (including the front yard)...Ha!
ReplyDeleteI really like flower gardens. I think that the smell and beauty can often lift spirits like nothing else. Sometimes walking past beautiful flowers can change my entire day. It reminds me how much God loves me. I mean think about it...he just put happy things there so I could enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteI do think gardens are important, and edibles can also be beautiful (in a mix). I would also probably go with the ease of perennials, but it would probably depend on how much I like the flower. I think that there could be a classy way to do both.
I'M BACK WITH A FASCINATING TOPIC: AGRICULTURE & POPULATION
ReplyDeleteI really hope I get some very involved discussion on this subject as it is one that I am considering researching in great depth and writing a book about. As you all know, I have been very involved in researching nutrition and natural healing in the past year and this has inevitably brought me to learning more about agriculture and how important it is that we do it right. I am currently reading a book by Joel Salatin-- "You Can Farm" where he talks about the economics and sustainability of small family farming. Salatin is a religious and scientific man that likes to refute the idea that small family farms (and other responsible agriculture) cannot sustain the nutritional needs of our entire human population. When I think about the practicality of his methods, it seems obvious that there is such a thing as sustainable and responsible farming that can feed everyone plentifully. I am not simply looking for people to agree with me on this one, but whatever your viewpoint I'd like you to back it up with something substantial. So, do you think that there is a way to feed the world and farm responsibly (meaning not using industrial and chemical agriculture)? Or do you think that population control might be in order? Do big families make too big of a "carbon footprint" or is it just the way things are done that cause our modern problems?