The importance of persistence in sustainable gardening
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Being persistent is not always considered a desirable attribute. Sometimes those who are persistent are considered as a dog with a bone that they do not give up. Some confuse the concept of persistence with that of pushism. They think that giving in can lead to a more harmonious existence.
I do not suggest a second that we should obstinately hang certain ideas or practices that simply do not work or do not correspond to our lives, nor that we must hammer our own views without listening to others.
But persistence is defined as “continuing in an opinion or an action plan despite the difficulty or the opposition”.
Basically, it is a concept which means not to abandon and not give in. I would say that persistence is something we all need in our lives.
Persistence is an attribute that allows us to support, survive and prosper. It gives us, and the environments that surround us, resilience, which is why I would say that it is important in sustainable gardening – just as it can be in many other areas of our life.
Maintain persistent opinions as an organic farmer
It may be difficult to continue to keep your beliefs strongly if you kiss trends and do things differently from the status quo. As a sustainable gardener and organic producer, you can sometimes find that you have opinions that differ from those around you.
Remember a “disorderly” garden with weeds and wild plants promoting healthy diversity, letting your lawn grow or less pruning may be things that distinguish you a little more neat and well -stored gardeners. You can feel some pressure to make your garden look like your neighbors.
Of course, organic gardens can look like many different ways. But whatever your garden, it is important to stick to your principles when you leave as an organic producer, with the understanding that not everyone will agree with everything you choose to do.
People can mention how they prefer to do things. They can even criticize your company planting or wild zones for fauna … tell yourself that you have to dig your vegetable plot or eradicate the dandelions of your lawn.
But as a sustainable gardener, you must stick to it politely but firmly to your weapons and do things in an ethical and organic way that you have chosen to do them. As we all know, sustainable gardening can help us fight against many local and global problems and is an important strategy for forging the future we want to see.
We don’t need to force our opinions and decisions about others. But by sharing how we do things and explaining why, we can change some spirits because we are consistent and persistent with our own strongly organized opinions.
Perseverance in our practices in a lasting garden
Of course, perseverance is not only to keep our beliefs, but also to stick to our actions and our practices.
As an organic farmer, most will have the strange opportunity where things do not go as planned, when things go wrong or the results are not as desired.
But even when we encounter reverse or problems, it is so important not to give up.
A Scottish Folklore lesson
Here in Scotland, a common piece of folklore focuses on the historic figure Robert Le Bruce. In 1306, he was involved in the murder of his Scottish throne rival, John Comyn, then seized the crown.
After an overwhelming defeat of the English forces during the battle of Methven, Robert Le Bruce and what remained of his strength fled. But they were ambushed by a group faithful to the Comyn family, which led to a bloody battle. During this battle, the battle of Dalright, the king was cornered and only managed to escape.
Living but led into exile, Bruce was forced to run, leaving in various places across the country. The legend says that by hiding in a cave, he saw a spider building his canvas. Whenever the spider made progress, it would fall, but each time, it rose and tried once again. Finally, the spider managed to create a silk line and build its web.
Bruce took from this little spider that “if at the beginning you do not succeed, try, try and try again.” He then defeated the English during the Bannockburn battle, even if they were very numerous. History remains popular today for its strong message of perseverance.
The ability to persevere even when things do not take place according to the plan is important in organic and durable gardening. When we work with nature, we must accept that certain things will be out of our control. So, although we can certainly shape things for desirable results, we will not always get what we want immediately.
The important thing is to always remember to try, try and try again.