Humboldt Gardeners in Their Own Words, Part 1
(Feb. 8, 2007) This is the first in a series of Q&As with Humboldt County gardeners. Eureka’s Gisela Rohde of Eureka kicks it off. She’s lived in Humboldt County for 27 years and has been at her current garden for five and a half years. When I asked her how she’d like to characterize her occupation or avocation, she replied, “Topophile (as in Sense of Place).”
What’s the best thing about gardening in Humboldt County?
The long growing season.
What’s the worst thing?
The cool, wet winters that tend to rot the roots of some of my favorite drought-tolerant plants. (Fortunately, there’s a solution: raised beds created with well-draining soil.)
Why do you garden?
Let me count the ways. Number one, because it’s a way to connect with nature. Even though a cultivated garden is not a natural place, it can still be a haven for native flora and fauna. Each season has its own unique qualities and one way to discover and remember them is through gardening.
The second reason is because principles I practice in the garden can be applied to other parts of my life. For example, I activate patience, hope and faith every time I plant a seed or bulb. Whenever I share plants with others, I’m reminded that plant starts are like love: The more you give, the more you receive. While I don’t consider myself an artistic person, I’m able to tap into my creativity, imagination and intuition when I work on a garden plan.
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STAFF PICK / outdoors / 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meet at Pacific Union School. Help remove non-native invasives at the Lanphere Dunes Unit of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Tools and gloves provided, wear work clothes and bring water. Carpool to the protected site. 444-1397.
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Organic Gardening Seminar
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