Why Peregrine? Why Alchemy?
I mentioned in my last newsletter that I chose to include the word Peregrine in my new business name due to its association with traveling, also understood as wandering or migratory. Most people think of the Peregrine Falcon when they hear the word, peregrine. I'm no exception. The Peregrine Falcon travels widely, hence its name.
I see every garden, yard, and landscape as different, needing a different sort of treatment based on what is there, what is healthy, what is not, and the moments in time during which I and others interact with it. So, my perspective and advice on landscapes represent peregrinations of a sort, never the exactly the same from one place to the next, nor even one week to the next.
But why did I combine this word with Alchemy? This really requires a deeper explanation. I would refer you to the logo I created years ago, especially the one with the black background (shown above), which I have begun using almost exclusively. Most people quickly see a tree or at least a plant. Some also see a similarity to the flower of life. I certainly intended these connections.
Everyone seems to have a different idea or interpretation of what alchemy is. I would like to return to its most basic definition as it relates most to our world today. We may still not have found a way to turn lead into gold easily, but certainly the knowledge of chemistry that arose from alchemy reveals many types of transformations; and alchemy never promised to be easy.
Those who know more of alchemy and its history will recognize the significance of a tree as well. Alchemy happens in nature ALL THE TIME. In our glee over technology and the latest developments, we have forgotten this. As much as we have progressed we have also regressed. Anxiety, depression, and cancer are at an all time high. We have extended life but we have not increased its quality.
People recognize the value of nature but they think of it as "out there." They see the benefits, perhaps, of forest bathing, but not of preserving a single tree. Our connection with nature has declined to our detriment. We remove plants to our cost, even many so-called weeds. Communing with nature could literally be the best cure for all our ills.
In the face of the explosion of technology, we need to remember the existence of LIFE FORCE. Life is not just a mouth to feed or a plant to water. Life is beauty, health, ease, and authenticity. Life does not need to be beaten into submission, it only needs to be nurtured and allowed. Yes, disease is real, yet healthy living, nutrition, and surrounding ourselves and imbibing things with vital life force is the best way to prevent disease, not by killing things, most of the time.
When nature is allowed to take its natural course, we won't have any need to kill anything. Even the proliferation of Japanese Beetles is the result of monocultures of Kentucky bluegrass and roses, principally the former. This is where the beetle grubs get their start on a banquet of grass roots. Nature was not meant to be coerced into a monochromatic carpet sustained with weekly mowing and chemicals. Nature wants to abound in diversity.
Yet, I also do not believe we must become purists who insist that everyone have only native plants in their yards. We have to begin where we are, not try to rip everything out from the roots and start over, which is just more killing. What is doing well in your garden? Keep it? What brings you joy in your garden? Is anything missing? Bring it in - it will likely do well with what is already there.
This is how I begin to alchemize any garden space. Each one is unique, not only according to its history and location but according to the people and preferences that interact with it. And growing food is fast becoming something that everyone should begin to try to do, not only for the sustenance and nutrition of doing so, but because there is something so comforting about knowing we can, especially for children.
I would love to hear from you! Just hit reply and send me any feedback, questions, or comments anytime. If you know someone else who might enjoy this newsletter, please share it!
Check out my website here - even if you are already on my email list, you can get 3 tips for creating your haven if you sign up again at AmyCarynJohnson.com. I am offering services to harmonize our environs and connect us with nature to enhance well-being, mostly outdoors but also indoors.
I have a meetup group for those interested in checking out the kinds of activities, education, and guidance I may provide relative to landscapes: https://www.meetup.com/xeriscape-havens-meetup-group/ My next meetup will be a free class on Gardening with Children in late August. Check it out on meetup!
DISCLAIMERS *I am not a healthcare professional. This guidance is given only to support a healthy connection with nature. If you have any health problems, mental or physical, please seek professional help.
