Our Philosophy

There are many systems of thinking dedicated to growing things. Permaculture, PHC, and Regenerative Farming are just a few of these systems that are collections of indigenous wisdom as well as tried and true agricultural practices. Each way of thinking has stood the test of time due to its positive effect on ecosystems and effectiveness in producing beauty and bounty. Based on all of this thinking, we have assembled our own set of principles to summarize what we’ve found to be necessary in gardening. They are intended to be as easy and accessible as possible. We take no credit for inventing any of these practices, nor want them to be expressed as idiosyncratic or exclusive. They are simply a list of the things we hold dear and have found to be our “truths” of getting the most out of your land. Gardening is quite simple, and the steps below likewise aim to be.

1. Love and Nurture Soil

Soil is the foundation of all terrestrial life. Everything you do begins and ends with the health of your soil. You must preserve and grow your soil as the necessary foundation of all gardening or landscaping. 

Soil is alive - it needs water and air. It has its own complex food web, its own “internet” (mycelium), and is healthiest when grown in companionship with many diverse species. If you nurture and build beautiful soil, the plants, animals, and healthy harvest will flourish.

A few interesting facts about soil:

  • 59% of all life on earth lives in soil.

  • One Tablespoon of soil has more organisms in it than there are people on earth.

  • Soil absorbs carbon from the atmosphere, which helps offset carbon emissions.

2. Support Nature, Don’t Control It

Nature is vast and immeasurably complex. It is pretty vain to think you can in any way control it. You should establish an environment that gives nature all the tools for success, then step back and let it do its thing. If you worry about elements out of your control, you fall out of balance and quickly get frustrated or overreact. Switch your mindset to supporting environmental health with occasional suggestion and persuasion, not trying to control all of its pieces.

3. Reduce and Reuse

This is old-school thinking but very much true – you must reduce the inputs to only what is necessary, reuse what you have artfully, and skillfully recycle all the things you or your land produces. This will mean getting rid of some conveniences and possibly sacrificing some ideals here and there. Kitchen waste is food for the plants, extra containers are growing mediums, etc. Options for creative reuse are endless.

4. Remain Curious

The most experienced and knowledgeable people in the world have one thing in common – ceaseless curiosity. They are always eager to learn more, nurture new skills, and find out things they have never uncovered before. Approach your practice this way and everything will be a welcome achievement. In no time you’ll realize that what was once hard is now just part of your routine. That doesn’t mean you know everything, but simply means if you keep a beginner’s mindset, everything you experience is new and exciting.

5. Be Realistic and Patient

Create a space and practice that is realistic for you. Start with something you can and want to do, then slowly over time get used to more. As you start to add more tasks, know that each previously learned one will begin to seem automatic and feasible. Growing plants thankfully move slowly, so allow yourself to slow down with them and grow gradually.

6. Have Fun!

Why do anything unless you enjoy it!? Make sure that you are ready to let go a bit when you are out in your garden. Feel the moment and enjoy everything you do. As Bob Ross likes to say, “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents.”