Perspective
It's all in the perspective
–End of May, 2021 –
Often things are a matter of perspective. For instance, the three of us thought this was one cold and rainy farmers market weekend. It isn’t often when Fairbanks is warmer than Western Massachusetts, but this morning was one of those times. From my perspective, wearing a wool hat at the end of May just shouldn’t happen. A huge thank you to everyone that came and visited us in Amherst and Great Barrington on Saturday. From all perspectives, can we agree that, despite the weather, this Memorial Day weekend feels a lot better than last year’s? This one feels full of promise and possibility.
Kelly and Deb in wool hats on May 29th - brrr!
Weed or not
Turns out, I have some particular perspectives, opinions perhaps, about springtime vegetation too. I am not too bothered by “weeds” per se, but as I learn about the attributes of more and more plants, I am refining my opinions. Kelly, Juneau, and I start most days with a vigorous walk down Patterson Rd. We enjoy the peaceful exercise and there are a couple of great swimming holes (if you are a dog) and lots of sticks (which really only matters if you, again, are a dog). A few weeks ago, the walk became much less vigorous when we noticed pockets of garlic mustard growing along the road. Garlic mustard is an invasive species and I find them undesirable. Our walks became a mission to rid the road of garlic mustard. I caution you that once you “learn” to recognize garlic mustard, you cannot unsee it.
I see garlic mustard. All the time. It's everywhere.
What is it about some “undesirable” species? For garlic mustard, it is allelopathic. Put simply, it inhibits the development of nearby plant life by releasing a chemical that alters the underground network of fungi that transport important nutrients to trees, like maples. Fun fact, walnut trees are also allelopathic, but I don’t put walnuts in the undesirable category. I went in search of some redeeming qualities for garlic mustard. Turns out, it is edible, and many sources recommend making a pesto from the stalks. Full disclosure, we have not made garlic mustard pesto. Kelly and I have rid Patterson Rd of garlic mustard for now. But it will be back, that's what invasive species do, they invade.
Broadening my Perspective
I am, in some instances, conflating non-native with undesirable. This is not always the case. I was talking with an ecologist friend of mine who studies bees all over the world and we were discussing the role of city parks, with all their non-native vegetation. Those parks provide important stopover habitat for birds and pollinators. Maybe more important, those parks provide the same sense of peace and beauty that we feel on our morning walks for many people and connect many people to nature. Turns out, I need to broaden my perspective.
A word of thanks
Keeping in mind that Memorial Day was established to mourn the loss of life during the Civil War and to honor those that have served in conflicts since, we would like to thank those of you, and your families, who have sacrificed for this country. There are also many people this last year who sacrificed to keep us safe and allow us to feel promise and possibility as we move into summer. Thank you, essential workers – we would not be here without you.
The Season is in Full Swing
We are back at the Amherst and Great Barrington Farmers Markets for the season and attending various in-person festivals. We are also at the East Longmeadow Farmers Market. On third Sunday of the month we are at Springfield's Fruit and Bread of life Market. And the list goes on. Check out our website for where to find us. We're looking forward to seeing you!