Autumnal Equinox
Autumn in New England brings forth thoughts of the apple harvest and the enjoyment of flavorful and crunchy fresh apples, apple cider, baked apples, applesauce, apple pie, apple butter and more…
The once abundant apple orchards in this region, well tended for generations, are far fewer now. For us, apples have become a metaphor and an obvious indicator of change.
A few days ago, we purchased some locally grown apples. Wondering what had become of the once-upon-a-time appealing flavor of Cortlands, we hoped that baking would somehow enhance the now timid flavor.
Apologizing to various fresh fruits has become an all-too-familiar pattern. “It isn’t your fault. You weren’t given the opportunity to flourish.”
Unlike the orchard photo that accompanies this writing, orchards are now often pruned in an extreme way which makes harvesting easier than traditional methods.
It is well established that plants respond to communication. What is the message the trees are receiving though this pruning for efficiency, rather than for tree health? Desirable harmony between humans and nature is being disrupted by the insensitivity of humans.
Can fruit trees which are grown for efficiency be expected to produce the quality of fruit which we were once fortunate to enjoy?
The common sense answer is “no”. What is a possible solution? It begins with a re-thinking about concepts of well-being for the trees and plants which serve our needs. If efficiency is sacrosanct, however, our opportunity for positive change is significantly narrowed.
Common sense also suggests that “thinking small” may be part of the solution because “small”, well accomplished, may ultimately provide a greater beneficial impact than large ordinariness.
Green Oasis Now was so named because we see the possibility of uncommon common sense harmony with nature — and flourishing within the Oasis that is possible with sensitivity and well-thought-out corresponding action.
In the meantime, we look forward to discovering apples which have been grown with appreciation and are a reminder of success.
Image by lumix2004 from Pixabay.