GARDENER OF THE MONTH: AUGUST 2010
MergingLight you have been selected to be the "Freedom Gardener of Month!"
Location: Gravette,AR
Plant Hardiness Zone: 6-7
Acreage / Lot Size: Half Acre
(Freedom Gardens) Tell us a little more about your garden/ farm, what you grow, etc.
MERGINGLIGHT: We have a backyard garden, spread out amongst several small patches where we grow mostly heirloom plants in an all organic setting in the hopes of learning how to companion plant and to save seed. We hope to keep expanding the size of our garden every year, adding new types of heirloom vegitables, fruits, herbs and flowers. I believe that seeds and knowledge of gorwing your own food and sustaining daily life without outside help are our future and have been really trying to learn how to encourage the plants to produce healthy foods, which will bring healthy seeds.
(Freedom Gardens ) Behind every garden, there must have been blood, sweat and tears. What have you felt was (is) the hardest thing you’ve faced (or are facing) in your gardening? Would you care to share a story?
MERGINGLIGHT: The hardest thing I face is my own lack of understanding and knowledge of what to do to help the plants do what they naturally do, and that is to grow, in depleted, compacted soil while I find resources and time to keep adding nutrients. That being said, I find it incredibly fulfilling, learning how to garden the way it was done before modern chemicals became the standard in gardening. As well, gardening in my backyard has also brought me closer to a simpler way of life that is highly appealing to me, one that brings inner contentment. Aside of that, trying to find a natural way to keep plant eating insects and four legged critters away from the produce is a constant.
(Freedom Gardens ) What do you feel is the most important thing in gardening?
MERGINGLIGHT: That's a difficult question to answer because there are many stages and processes throughout a years time that are equally as important as any other stage or process. Suffice to say, there will be a lot not said on that at this moment - but the one thing I can say is that one of the most important things in gardening is to simply be present in the moment and aware of what's happening in the garden. I tend to think that someone who enjoys gardening knows that most things are NOT an overnight process, so, try researching your plants and finding out what you need to do and when, for the soil they grow in and for the plants themselves.
(Freedom Gardens) They say that “when you garden, you grow.” Have you changed – emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually – since you’ve starting growing food?
MERGINGLIGHT: I'm probably not the only one who is smiling at being asked this question. I've always been a bit of a naturalist, but when I really began to take an earnest interest in growing my own food, I began to 'feel' how plants are our partners in life. Even how earth and all natural things are a necessary part of life.
(Freedom Gardens) Has this social network (freedomgardens.org) helped you with your garden?
MERGINGLIGHT: Oh my gosh, thank you for asking! YES...infact, I can say in all honesty that Freedom Gardens is mostly the reason I've learned what I have about gardening. I've never felt so a part of a community before as I do now with FG, if I haven't learned how to do a thing I needed to know from FG, then I was inspired by someone within the FG community to learn more. Thank You FG and everyone who networks here 
( Freedom Gardens) Anything else you’d like to share with other freedom gardeners?
MERGINGLIGHT: One of my personal goals is to convert every inch of our very large lawn into a garden. This doesn't happen over night when resources or the lack of them is a constant issue (one of the reasons you feel fulfilled is because you find ways to do what needs done on little or no money), over time we are slowly doing it. When I drive down the street or road and see a new garden where there wasn't one last year or the year before and it's in someone's beautiful lawn, I feel personally uplifted by that somehow and so I encourage everyone to consider planting more garden and watering less lawn.
Happy Gardening!
(Freedom Gardens) Thanks for taking the time from your busy life to share your gardening experience with us. Happy growing!
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Congrats!