Prince Charles Says Grow An Organic Garden
Prince Charles, who once admitted to talking to his plants, is now encouraging everyone to grow an organic garden; even a tiny garden can yield fruits and vegetables, reduce carbon and feed local birds and insects.
In 1980, Prince Charles purchased his country home, Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, England, with the intention of turning it into an organic farm and garden. Today, its acres grow fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, leeks, carrots and Brussels sprouts. Also grown are native and endangered plants like jasmine, crane’s bill, yellow rattle, lilies and honeysuckle.
The Prince hopes the example he set at Highgrove House inspires future generations to go organic – it could be his legacy.
“It is so encouraging to see the number of people starting to grow their own food, whether in their gardens, allotments or containers,” Prince Charles said on organic gardening, “Although this will not resolve the problem of food security, it does start the process of individuals thinking locally and encouraging local social networks, which are important for community cohesion.”
By being very outspoken about organic farming, Prince Charles hopes to prove that going organic is not an “alternative” or “cranky” approach. Instead, he insists organic farming feeds the heart and warms the soul.
Not surprising coming from a man who when asked about his gardening habits in a 1986 interview, replied, “I just come and talk to the plants, really – very important to talk to them, they respond.”
Prince Charles says organic gardening plays an important role in maintaining harmony, protecting the natural world and keeping people connected to nature; even if you can only manage a small patch of earth.
In related news, a huge rooftop farm is blooming in Brooklyn. And here’s how to grow your own herbal tea garden.
Image credit: brown.edu
