Garden Chats
The idea of REAL gardening usually gives me a little anxiety. I’ve tried one too many times to nurture plants both inside and out and felt defeated by the sad looking outcome! The plant business these days is also such a chemical heavy, mass produced industry that I’ve been reluctant to really “dig in”. For this post, I’m exploring what’s out there in terms of sustainable, conscious gardening and how a beginner can even get started!
My first find is Erika Nolan at Instar Gardens. I found her through friends at Romney Studios and went to visit her beautiful home and learn more about her personally and professionally! After spending her 20’s in New York, Arizona, Texas and even the Amazon rainforest she felt the pull to get back home to New Orleans. Once home, she got a horticultural degree from Delgado and eventually created a business around educating others on how to grow their own food and create beautiful gardens to boot. She specializes in virtual consultations and classes. You can opt for a full masterclass or a quick affordable phone consultation to discuss your goals and generate your own DIY package.
I’ve asked Erika a few questions about sustainability, edible gardening and life! Here’s what she’s got to say:
Epiphany: How would you define your practice of sustainable gardening? Why is it important to you?
Erika: The most important aspect to sustainable gardening for me consists of the organic products we use in the garden. Whether it's pesticides or fungicides, we use natural remedies to maintain a biodiverse ecosystem. Keeping a healthy growing environment is crucial to growing food organically. My goal is to eat as organically as possible to avoid the toxins we find in conventional foods that have been proven to be carcinogenic and/or increasing risk of disease in general.
Epiphany: Some people (me) find the idea of creating an edible garden very intimidating. What is something easy/small that a beginner can do to dip a toe in the water?
Erika: The easiest food you can grow are herbs and lettuces. Lettuces want cool weather, so timing those in particular are important!
Epiphany: Do you have a favorite gardening and/or farm to table cookbook?
Erika: I don't use any cookbooks, but I love my gardening textbook: Garden Insects and Planting in a Post-Wild World.
Epiphany: Which restaurants if any in NOLA are doing the best job serving the most sustainable/quality foods?
Erika: Seed on Prytania grows their sprouts that garnish their meals! Hippie Kitchen is currently closed but they have delicious farm to table meals!
Epiphany: This one is from my 4 year old son...What is the coolest creature you have come across while gardening in NOLA?
Erika: Preying Mantids!
For more info on her products and classes, contact Erika Nolan at INSTAR Gardens