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Preface

L

et’s try starting this book with a mild confession. Until this year I’d never

met a plant that I couldn’t kill. I was my very own herbicide.

I now understand the problem. I never gave them a reasonable amount

of my undivided attention. I even used to suggest that there was no point in going

back to smell the flowers inasmuch as I had blown the petals off as I flew past on

my way to who knows where!

Almost all of this has now changed. I’m still very active, but I don’t leave my

plants unattended. Now they don’t die (at least not from lack of attention). Not

only do they survive, but they actually thrive! And here I am with my 29th book,

written at the speed of this new inclusive life.

I’m finding a new rhythm, with fewer fits and starts, a more even—almost

predictable—adventure that is nonetheless filled with unexpected natural chal­

lenges and great joy from sharing the eventual harvest. May our kitchen gardens

help us understand what it means to keep growing personally at the speed of life.

Graham Kerr

Nonsuch Cottage and Garden

Mount Vernon, WA

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