Civilization and gardens
During World War II Americans turned their yards (and sometimes roof gardens) into vegetable gardens so that they could ease the strain on the food supply. These were called Victory Gardens. In 1944 about 40% of all the vegetables being consumed in the US were grown in Victory Gardens. The food certainly aided the war effort, but it also boosted the morale of the people who didn’t themselves actively go to war. The gardens promoted civilization, if you will.
Last month I dragged Kathy to the Arboretum for the monthly meeting of gardeners. It was a potluck and Kathy provided a salad that used some of the bounty of our cherry tomatoes. One lady took a bite of Kathy’s salad and said, “Who brought this? What’s in it?” (always a mark of success!)
Cornbread Tomato Salad
Combine in a large bowl:
4 c. cubed cornbread
2 c. halved cherry tomatoes
1 c. cubed Fontina cheese
1/2 c. diced cucumbers
1/2 c. chopped fresh basil
Whisk together and pour over: 1/2 c. olive oil, 6 Tablespoons lemon juice, 1 Tablespoon grated fresh lemon peel, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper. Toss gently.
The different people went around the table introducing themselves, talking about their garden interests. I told about how I’m new to Kentucky and learning to adapt to the soil and climate here. One couple talked about how they’d converted their whole yard to an immense garden. But what they said was that they had “civilized their yard”. What an unusual phrase! But isn’t it apt? Gardening provides order and even a habitat for bees, birds (and often unwanted bugs – but a big enough garden has bounty for all). Furthermore I find that gardening civilizes me. It gives me a reason to adopt habits of diligent watering, weeding, tending and harvesting.
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