Recently some friends sent us a link to a documentary film about gardening. It is called Back to Eden. You can watch it for free online. This is an eye-opening film that “shares the story of one man’s lifelong journey, walking with God and learning how to get back to the simple, productive methods of sustainable provision that were given to man in the garden of Eden. The organic growing system that has resulted from Paul Gautschi’s incredible experiences has garnered the interest of visitors from around the world.“

We are so inspired by Paul’s submission and willingness to follow God that we examine why we have not had the success in our gardens since we moved to the country. As readers of this blog can browse through our timeline of our garden each hear, we have tried many different “systems”. But I always feel that I am a slave to the garden. Weed, pest, drought, clay soil, frost ….are all against me. Now I realize that I am fighting the battle all by myself, depending on men’s knowledge. I never asked God how to farm. I always looked up books and the Internet.

Paul has taught us again that we should always go back to the Creator, the Holy One who creates everything, including the garden. Who knows better than the Lord how to grow a plant? Thank you Lord for showing us an important truth: ask for wisdom. Jesus never holds back His abundant blessings on those who trust and obey Him, even in planting the garden.

We found a recycling company who gives away free wood chips so I have been hauling my small trailer once a week on my way to work to pick them up. It is hard work and everytime I can only get a small amount. But I am very grateful that I can get this for free.

Wood chips in the trailer.
Wood chips dumping beside our garden.
Wood chips applying around our fruit trees. Hopefully we can start to get some fruits next year. We have watied for 5 years!
Before applying wood chips on grass, remember to lay several layers thick of newspaper. If you are going to start from scratch and plant, be sure to also lay some soil in between the newspaper and woodchips.