“Organic”
By Amber Van Cleave
I want to apply the word “organic” to this garden project in the expanded sense of “something that happens or develops naturally… something that is real, unforced, and comes from within.”* The word originates from a Greek word meaning “instrument” or “tool,” and evolved in English to refer to bodily organs,* parts of a living whole, working together to animate something greater than the sum of parts. Poetically speaking, we are instruments of this, bringing each of our specialized purposes and beings together to quicken an organically growing Intention into its own Garden Being.
One of our core team of volunteers was recently wondering how to explain this garden project to curious bystanders. The mention of a “community garden” brought to mind images of nearby separate plots being tended by separate individuals. Mariposa Ascendente is not at this time a typical community garden according to that model. It is meant as a collaborative garden, a “regenerative” educational/exploratory garden where community members are invited to come see what’s happening currently, contribute to the unfolding conversation, and participate in the process. Together.
Our time at the garden has been guided less by the Manifest Destiny value of imposing our will to tame the wilderness, and more by values of connectivity, like asking questions and maintaining loving curiosity. Of course, our will is important - or we would never get any weeding done! - However, our focus and style are shifting. We are attempting to cultivate Trust and Respect, starting with honoring the wisdom inherent in our human bodies, our human hearts, and the connection with the earth and growing things.
A theme for one of our recent Wednesday evening gatherings was Gentleness: for Self First and Then the World. The more fully we can show up for this work, the more fully our gifts will be available for the world. We do not have all the answers about what it means to work with regenerative principles. The answers are not static, but ever changing, dependent on time, place, and all that is present in any given moment. Our core goal could be to become more present to the listening moment by moment.
Our weekly Community Gardening Evenings happen every Wednesday through the end of the season (at least through the beginning of October) at Arbol Farm, 41679 O Road in Paonia. Times are usually 5 to 7:30 PM, except for special events like our Open House this August 6, which will be from 6 to 8:30 PM with live music by Snider and Hickam Jazz Duo, special snacks and hors d’oeuvres, and a few words about CO Farm & Food Alliance's own vision for the space, and our work. We promise the program will be brief so we can enjoy each other, music, food, and what this space is becoming. The organic sprouting and growth of this seed of a garden has felt pretty special, transformative, and healing to us. Even the neighbors have commented on its beauty, saying, “It just feels good.” And now, wonder of wonders, it is starting to provide us with food! Please join us this Wednesday, or another Wednesday, and/or contact us if you would like to drop by at a different time.
All are welcome.