In the heart of the Appalachian mountains, nestled amidst the dense greenery and rocky terrain, lies a unique garden. This isn’t just any garden; it’s what its creator calls a “Paradise Garden.” A place where every plant has a purpose, and the design is not just about aesthetics but about sustainability and harmony with nature.
The creator of this garden, who has spent decades cultivating it, describes it as a “Botanical Garden of useful plants grown ecologically and arranged ornamentally.” In simpler terms, it’s a self-sustaining garden where the plants grow naturally, and the gardener becomes a hunter-gatherer in his own backyard. This concept was inspired by the gardener’s readings on anthropology, particularly about hunter-gatherers and their harmonious relationship with nature.
The idea behind the Paradise Garden is to increase the carrying capacity of the land. By introducing a diverse range of useful plants, the land can support more people. This approach contrasts with the modern agricultural practices that often strip the land of its natural resources. The gardener’s mission is to find plants from similar bioclimates, like East Asia, and introduce them to his garden. This not only increases the diversity of plants but also creates various habitats, enhancing the garden’s ecosystem.
But this garden is not just about plants. It’s also about a way of life. The gardener, who grew up in Detroit, was deeply influenced by his time in the Peace Corps, where he lived with tribal people in Borneo. The self-reliance and rich cultural practices of these tribes contrasted sharply with the consumerist lifestyle he observed in urban America. This experience sowed the seeds for his dream of creating a sustainable living space, leading him to the Appalachian mountains.
The Paradise Garden is also a hub for learning. Over the years, it has become a repository of knowledge about medicinal herbs, many of which the gardener introduced to America. One such plant is the jagalon, a vine from the squash family with properties similar to ginseng. Ginseng, a herb known for its health benefits, is under threat due to overharvesting. The jagalon, on the other hand, grows abundantly and can serve as a sustainable alternative.
The garden also serves as a testament to the power of community. Over the years, many have come to learn and contribute to the garden. The gardener sells seeds, plants, and tinctures, but a significant part of his income comes from educational plant walks. He envisions a future where a community takes over and runs the garden, ensuring its sustainability for generations to come.
The Paradise Garden is more than just a collection of plants. It’s a philosophy, a way of life that emphasizes harmony with nature. It draws inspiration from various cultures, particularly Chinese garden design, which focuses on spiritual development. The Chinese concept of “forest bathing,” where one immerses themselves in nature to rejuvenate, resonates deeply with the ethos of the Paradise Garden.
In a world grappling with environmental challenges, the Paradise Garden offers a beacon of hope. It shows that with passion, knowledge, and a respect for nature, we can create sustainable living spaces that benefit not just us but the planet as a whole. As the gardener aptly puts it, “We need to live according to Gaia.” And the Paradise Garden is a step in that direction.