Magical Biodynamics
When I was young I loved the idea of fairies at the bottom of the garden. I was lucky enough to grow up in a magical garden! Spring bulbs propelled themselves up from the earth, pushing through snow and frost. It was really easy to imagine that you saw fairies, elves, pixies and all sorts of magical creatures.
Sadly our sensible, rational, anthropocentric world intruded and I was directed first into education and then into a life in the corporate world.
However, I never totally forgot about all these magical creatures in my magical garden. Then I discovered Rudolph Steiner, the initiator of biodynamics. I found that he too believed in gnomes and sylphs and other magical creatures. And I just knew that I had to investigate!
So I attended several workshops. And I read a lot of books. And sadly I found that many authors preferred to gloss over talk of magical creatures. They are much more comfortable talking about the influences of the moon and the twelve planets of the zodiac and how this can promote the growth in plants. While these factors are important, I think the magical creatures are equally important. Sadly I think it’s just a little too woo-woo and “out there”!
What nearly everyone who practices biodynamics, whether it be farming or gardening, does seem to believe and agree on is? That it works!
So What Is Biodynamics?
Biodynamics can be described as biology (bio) combined with belief (dynamism).
My favourite description of biodynamics is that it is a human service to the earth and her creatures, rather than just a method for increasing harvests or providing healthy food. The food that is produced is imbued with health-giving properties. These are way beyond what you would anticipate from the food when it is grown without biodynamic involvement.
Many descriptions of biodynamic farming start with a description of the farm being an entity in its own right. Steiner viewed every farm, garden and property as a living entity with its own essence, not just land where food is produced.
However, this has been interpreted as everything needed for the farm or garden should be created within the farm or garden. This can tend to put people off!! This includes making your own soil and growing your own seeds, foods, mulch, biodynamic preparations etc.
In this consumerist world that we live in, it can be hard to imagine how you could get to a point where you can create everything you would need for your own garden. And would you really want too? Isn’t the community we create and the giving and receiving equally important?
Luckily, due to this consumerism in our society we can purchase many of the ingredients that we need to grow food using biodynamic preparations.
If you want to purchase Biodynamic preparations such as Horn Manure contact Biodynamic Agriculture Australia at http:www/biodynamics.net.au/
Want To Know More About Biodynamics?
If you are interested in learning more about biodynamic gardening, the next Introduction to Biodynamics workshop will be held on the 21st and 22nd of October 2023. This is a 2 day workshop, held across both days of the weekend. It is a very hands-on workshop where you get to create and use biodynamic preparations. Attendance on the first day is mandatory for attending the second day!
Email me at r.young@thedelectablegarden.com.au if you want more information.
The following photos show students involved on making some biodynamic preparations during a workshop.
