Комедийный актер Зак Галифаниакис снимает сериал о садоводстве для популяризации экологичного образа жизни

One of my earliest permaculture teachers was Permaculture Education Institute founder Morag Gamble of Queensland, Australia. She influenced me profoundly, primarily with her kindness, humility and dogged determination to swim upstream. Like me, she is married with three children. She refers to hers as nature kids; I refer to mine (now grown) as bush babies and like me, she cares deeply about community. The Cambridge Dictionary describes community as a group of people living in the same geographic area or sharing common interests, culture or identity. Community encompasses both physical neighbourhoods and groups united by shared beliefs or social ties. Gardeners of all ages and skill levels share community. We share a belief that we are part of nature, not apart from it. We benefit, whether we realize it or not, from the connection we have with growing things and the permaculture (perennial systems) of the planet. Kindness grows at the root of the gardening community. Notwithstanding so-called “Big Ag” (systems dependent on chemical and synthetic inputs, producing unhealthy outputs), most people who grow food have some awareness of their impact on the environment and each other. In a recent newsletter, Gamble wrote that, “One of the greatest capabilities we have as caring humans who want to contribute to positive change is humanKINDness. Being in service of life thriving." What a beautiful sentiment. Small acts of regenerative kindness, unfolding in tandem within a community of shared interests and purpose can over time, create a tsunami of positive change. Sometimes we need permission to change our worldview and swim upstream. A-listers like David Beckham, Pamela Anderson and Jennifer Garner use their platforms to spread the good word about growing their own food, joining long-time organic gardening advocates like King Charles and yes, of course the Indefatigable Martha Stewart. Here at home (on one of the Gulf Islands), we have our own delightfully inexpert food-gardening advocate in the much-loved comedic actor and writer Zach Galifianakis. In his new six-episode family-friendly series “This is a Gardening Show,” Galifianakis gives us permission by example to be inexpert at growing healthy food. But most important, to care about and support the farming community of people who grow it for us. According to the show’s producers, Galifianakis approaches gardening with curiosity and his trademark self-effacing humour, blending comedy with appreciation for the planet while providing accessible tools and tips. During filming on Vancouver Island, Galifianakis gets to the core of growing apples, learns that tomatoes are more than just pre-ketchup, French-forages into a woodland tea party, gets to the roots of carrots and potatoes, gains kernels of knowledge about corn and digs into composting. When asked by talk show host Jimmy Kimmel what inspired the show, Galifianakis explained that, in spite of owning a tractor and amateur gardening for 20 years, he wanted to learn from experts and also encourage younger generations to understand and care about where their food comes from. He believes too that, returning to agrarian practices is the ultimate remedy to the human condition. Amen to that! In a spirit of kindness and community-building, the West Vancouver Memorial Library is hosting two free screenings (three episodes each, with refreshments) of Galifianakis’ “This is a Gardening Show” at the beautiful Gleneagles Clubhouse. I will be in attendance at the first screening at 6 p.m. on July 15 to answer questions about gardening, and local chef/author Bri Beaudoin will be in attendance at the second on July 22. Sure you could watch the series at home on Netflix, but why not join us in community? We can swim upstream together. Registration is required at westvanlibrary.ca. Laura Marie Neubert is a West Vancouver-based urban permaculture designer. Follow her on Instagram @upfrontandbeautiful, learn more about permaculture by visiting her Upfront & Beautiful website or email your questions to her here. For a taste of permaculture, click on the YouTube link below: