GROWING WILD

Article and Photography by HEATHER LAND

A blanket of wild greens give a garden path both function and whimsy. White clover and wild plantain grow amongst a rogue patch of mint – choking out the spring stickers without the use of chemical sprays.Clover surrounds okra seedlings, helping to absorb the extra rainwater. White clover, mint and plantain keep young cucumbers nestled. Rows of sweet blue corn grow side-by-side with the carpet of clover, keeping unwanted weeds from invading.

Take a  C L O S E R  L O O K

Mother Nature is carpeting the lands right now with lush layers of clover and wild herbs. And while most folks want them gone in favor of a manicured lawn, there are actually a few worth swooning over.

White clover is a very resilient species – helping with soil erosion, fixing nitrogen, and suppressing the real weeds. In a garden, it not only creates a soft place for bare feet to ground, it is as dreamy and whimsical as it is functional. Left to thrive around the base of vegetation, it can serve to insulate the ground surrounding the roots – locking in moisture and warmth.

Also edible and medicinal, eattheplanet.org says “It’s also good for treating common cold symptoms, such as upset stomachs, nausea, and dizziness. White clover herbal tea can treat rheumatic aches and arthritis. It can also be used as an eyewash to cure minor eye infections or applied on the skin to heal wounds, burns, ulcers, and sores.”

The sweet whimsical shoots of Wild Plantain can be used for cuts, scrapes, bruises, stings, etc as a result of working in the garden. Simply crush up in your hands and apply.

“Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow?”