You The Farmer

We're all farmers in some way. Each one of us being responsible for the planet we live on, have taken on, whether we like it or realize it or not, the role of farmers. A farmer grows things be it animals or plants. Farmers are nurturers of continuation. Our job in a concrete jungle, the suburbs or in the wilds of a province can also nurture nature even in the smallest way. I live in a city, so, I say, how on earth can I be called a farmer? What I, personally can do, as one thing, is, on my deck provide a small container or bird bath or other object that holds water. I watched a bee or wasp come to share my lunch the other day. I didn't make any move to prevent it doing so, but when its hive mates were alerted and came also, I moved my food indoors to eat. They left. My policy is to harm none of these creatures that are also inhabitants of earth and have their needs as I do. Without swatting them which could cause them to defend themselves and sting, I moved slowly unlike an enemy and we both passed in peace. When I came back outside to enjoy my coffee, I watched a bee go to the edge of my bird bath and delicately sip a drink of water. I had put it there for butterflies, bees and other insects so that they might survive and pollination will continue. Not only bees pollinate blossoms, but also do other insects. On my deck I grow a "hedge" of small cypress trees and while it is work watering them when they need to drink, they provide shade and privacy for me but they also allow shelter for small insects such as spiders. I don't remove all spider webs but allow small spiders because spiders feed on aphids that eat on my herbs. And I do love my tiny collection of herbs. I have very few, but I use them fresh in small pieces.  It pleases me to feel that I can grow this tiny amount for myself. Again this year, I planted runner beans to savour not only the taste of the few that thrive but also the sight of their gorgeous red blossoms and amazing vines that grow so fast and go everywhere they can. Fascinating. My pot of herbs are slow to come ahead but when I receive my packet of chive seeds, there will be a competition to see which will win. I am not much into flowers but my tall, exotic and very leafy white lilies that must be related to Jack In The Pulpits are in the summer holidayed outside. The long white spears spring up and surprise me with their rapid and rampant bloomings. Another delightful tiny star-like white flower is the sweet alyssum that when it establishes, comes back year after year. I like to plant it to collar my small hedging trees.  The scent is delightful and they bloom continuously. I am too old to fuss with big pots of blooms and complicated florals, so I keep it simple. Composting is also being a farmer for earth as is avoiding the use of things that harm the air. We farmers know what to do. We just have to make sure we are good farmers.