sustainable gardens

Sustainable Gardens  

Only a few generations ago every little valley, every little hillside had its own plant varieties. When people migrated they often took their family's seeds with them. Today, when our elders move into retirement homes or discontinue gardening due to physical restraints, much of their plantings are allowed to die out. Without realizing it we are losing varieties on a regular basis.

These unique seeds are becoming rare and will eventually face extinction if we fail to keep them alive and growing. Two surveys between 1900 and 1981 revealed that 7,000 fewer apple varieties were grown within that time period in North America. Yet even now, after losing so much diversity there are estimated to be around 2,000 varieties of beans and 6,000 kinds of tomatoes. Every single one has a particular history, a particular DNA sequence, and a particular set of nutrients, colour, shape, size and texture. For example, tomatoes variants offer red, pink, yellow, orange, black, green, white or purple colours with rippled, cracked, smooth or fuzzy skin.

Scientists use DNA and genetic material to create hybrid varieties that may help us face all kinds of agricultural issues from malnutrition and weather extremes to pests and disease. Some people, however, view genetically modified crops as a Frankenstein science because the science also looks at alternative genes from animals, insects and chemicals.

The great danger of losing so many varieties through commercial monoculture methods (growing only one variety) is that is when only a few varieties are grown in one area the crops become prone to epidemics. Remember the Irish potato famine of 1845 (along with political greed) that caused the death of a million people and forced another million to emigrate? There was a similar occurrence in 1970 where corn blight infected some American states by as much as 50%. By growing only a few related varieties, these epidemics can, and will, occur again. By the time we realize that our crops are failing and the only way to save them is to find an old variety; it may be too late. That is the fear.

You can make a difference, starting right where you are simply by passing on the information and sharing links to events and organizations on social media. Choosing open-pollinated varieties from your favourite seed catalogues is a great way to support biodiversity. Growing crops that your grandparents, or great-grandparents, can remember from their youth can be quite an experience for the whole family. Seeing the exotic array of colours, shapes and flavours on your kitchen table that cannot be found in grocery stores, is a thrill on its own. Go one step farther by saving seeds and sharing them with others. If you can, drop in to farmer’s fairs, markets and seed exchange events. As a final note, please visit seed saving organization websites (i.e. www.seeds.ca) where you can find a variety of ways to help save seeds from extinction.

Incidentally, that organization (above) has an excellent seed adoption program where donations can save seed varieties forever. Dave and I have had the pleasure of contributing and helping to save 5 different seed varieties over the years through our annual donations. It is because of your support of our business - people who have taken drum lessons, attended drum workshops, people who have purchased our products and books, etc. We appreciate every one. Thank you.

* Curious about Brummet Media Donations? 

Your support of our work is appreciated. To this end we donate 10% of Brummet Media Group earnings annually to numerous pet rescue, garden, literacy and wildlife non-profit organizations over the many years... Including:Canadian Wildlife Federation, Pollinator Partnership, North American Butterfly Association, Seeds of Diversity, Creston Valley Wildlife Management Fund, Creston's Pet Adoption And Welfare Society, Granby Wilderness Society, SPCA, and the National Wildlife Federation... among a few other causes and charitable events, school music and music therapy causes that we have donated product, time, services and art to. *Shout out to all the wonderful musicians over the years sharing their excess drum and percussion odds and ends that have enabled Dave to donate his services to public and private school classrooms!

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