When I’m not studying – yes! After a third-of-life crisis, I returned to school for Earth & Environmental Science. It’s totally out of my wheelhouse (my first degree is in interior design), and I love it. So much so, that I’m pursuing graduate studies to hopefully focus on regional biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and landscape restoration.
As part of my studies, I’ve been researching freshwater and nutrient cycles, soil health, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, the value of place-identity, and about sustainable agricultural systems. My garden is a reflection of ALL of it. And it is my love letter to the Okanagan, of course!
I am so grateful for my garden in keeping me grounded while I navigate being back in university, and trying to keep up with average adult responsibilities (ya know?). So, if I’m not studying, chances are good I’m planning, seed shopping, starting seeds, or roasting in the sunshine, cutting flowers! A girl’s gotta make a living somehow, and this one reminds me of my late grandma.
It goes without saying that I do not use herbicides or pesticides in my garden. I’m building soil with compost, aged sheep manure, and organic soil amendments as necessary. I do my best to support the whole ecosystem, allowing natural resilience to fight pest pressure, and building habitat for local species. And I always leave a portion of my blooms in the garden for the bees. Especially the native ones.