Beauty Matters

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Tis flower season at Chez Nous Farm. All the late winter imaginings, preparation, and hours of work with seedlings is becoming tangible in the form of snapdragons, zinnia, ornamental grasses, and the like. Of course there were some setbacks, like deer destroying about 30 sunflower babies and a dismal germination rate of lavender seeds. But fortunately, I planted a great deal of extras and have installed 180’ of portable electric fence.

Who doesn’t enjoy flowers, and why is that? One of my favorite authors, Michael Pollan, has a great deal to say about the relationship between us and the world of colorful blossoms in The Botany of Desire. Fragrances and vivid colors are a way for these plants to “collaborate” with humans, insects, and birds to propagate their genes. And in support of conservation, by growing these and many other kinds of plants, we are adding to the great complex web of life on earth; global loss of biodiversity and habitat is leading to a great mass extinction. The great ecologist Aldo Leopold said that the first rule of tinkering is to not lose any of the pieces!

So do yourself and the earth a favor and plant some flowers. See the current market listing under perennials and annuals for Chez Nous farm offerings: marigold, echinacea (coneflower), rudbeckia (black eyed susans—two varieties). I really need to move the rudbeckia, because they’re outgrowing the pots! Incidentally, I wanted some sugar baby watermelons for myself, and ended up with way too many…Lastly, forty-some four-year-old red raspberry plants in 5 gallon pots were replaced with new stock, and can be had for $11 each.

Later in July cut flower bouquets will be available. Think about how you feel when someone sends you flowers. Their ephemeral but singular beauty is a small window through which one is transported to a world of the purest beauty. That in itself, no matter how humble, is a much-needed reprieve from so many sad and cruel things that daily impinge on our souls.

Caroline McColloch
Chez Nous Farm
cheznousfarm@gmail.com

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