How my garden grew

EARTH'S ASKING

Soft underbelly of
Moist upended soil
Just newly dug.

Earth

Inviting my hands
To sense its essence.
Empower her fruitfulness.

In the early part of the year 2000 I moved to a piece of land in Auroville which I called 'Buddha Garden'. Here I planned to answer the call of the earth - 'to empower her fruitfulness' - by growing organic vegetables for the community.

'How My Garden Grew' documents how the garden came into being and took shape during the first year of its existence. How the challenges of working with an impoverished soil in a climate of extremes were met. How the day-by-day work in the garden enabled me to experience what sustainablity might mean - for the earth, the community and for myself.

Publication date for this book is Earth Day, March 20th. It will cost Rs250 and will be available in the Visitors Centre, Pour Tous and from Buddha Garden at Siddhartha Farm. Every Aurovilian and Newcomer can have one copy of the book at the special price of Rs120, but this will be available only from Buddha Garden.

If you would like more information please email priya@auroville.org.in