Gleanings from the Editor

Things have certainly changed since I took my first class in organic gardening at the Austin Community School in about 1974. John Dromgoole showed us slides and told us stories about how we didn't need to use chemicals to have a great garden. We were a small group, and many of us were skeptical. I was simply a coward.

Every time I looked at garden chemicals and read the labels, I was horrified to think of putting that stuff out where my babies toddled and my animals roamed.

And it turned out that my cowardice was well-founded and John was right. The interest in organic growing, in organic food, in environmental protection, and in conservation has grown steadily since then. What once seemed like a hopeless endeavor of a bunch of old hippies has turned into a sensible movement of people from all walks of life. There is even an active and large group of Republican environmentalists!

It is heartening to see the many changes that have come about and the many opportunities we have to buy clean, tasty, healthy food grown locally. There is still a lot to be done, of course, but it no longer looks hopeless.

As we approach the holiday season, let's remember that this is a great time to share our love of nature. Gifts of plants, food, gardening books, magazines (hint, hint!), and other things that encourage stewardship of the earth are wonderful choices. Instead of buying gifts that self-destruct in a couple of weeks, we can select gifts that continue to give for years to come.

Here's wishing you a terrific holiday and an even better 2003!