Heroes Not Zombies

The garden of the house we’ve bought is pretty large and it has a wooded area at the top. The whole garden is somewhat neglected and the wooded area in particular is a dense thicket of vines, massive brambles and the biggest creepers I’ve ever seen in my life.

I’ve written about integration a number of times on this blog describing how it involves both chaos and order, or, as some would say, wildness and discipline. Well this woodland area is a great example of too much wildness. I have a feeling that if I ever make it all the way through the thicket to the back of the garden I might discover Sleeping Beauty in her glass case!

I’ve read a bit about the concept of a forest garden where various plants, including some edible ones, are planted amongst the trees, and I fancy trying that idea. But I’m also very aware of the benefits and delights of “forest bathing” so just want to be able to enjoy spending some time amongst the trees.

Here’s my plan – start by creating some simple paths. This involves cutting down and removing enough brambles, creepers and climbers to create a passageway through the trees. Then I set the lawnmower to its highest setting and ran it over the ground covering vines to make a path. The next step is clearing the floor of the path of roots and creepers and the edges of the path of thorns, dead trees and saplings.

The photo at the beginning of today’s post is of a part of the first path I’ve made.

All this work, and it’s a lot of work, is immensely satisfying. I can now see the sun shining through the trees and clearings. It’s like seeing the woodland breathe again. I’m walking the path a few times a day to establish it, but also to enjoy the experience of being surrounded by birdsong in amongst the trees.

So, I’ve arrived at the next stage and have planted a fern, a blueberry bush and some hostas along the margins of the path.

This is all new to me. I haven’t been a gardener before moving to France and I haven’t even lived somewhere with a garden for many years. So I’m exploring, reading and learning. It could be a bit daunting to try to introduce some order into the wild areas but I’ve decided to take it a little bit at a time. I’ve scoped out the rough direction of the next path but this first one is already bringing me a lot of joy.

I’ve known for many years that spending time in natural environments is good for body, mind and soul, as is gardening, but it’s only now that I’m experiencing the reality of that knowledge for myself.

I’ll bring you updates in the weeks and months ahead and I’m very open to advice and recommendations.

Gardening as integrative practice!