“YOU are what you eat,” is a simple saying containing deep and even frightening truths, says Linda Galvad, SA’s foremost ambassador for the benefits of organic food gardening.
At a Bedford Garden Club meeting at Donkerhoek farm on November 20, she will explain why growing our own organic vegetables is not an option, but a necessity.
She argues that it is the only way we can be sure our families are getting healing, nutritious food that has not been scientifically fiddled with.
Her research as an academic psychologist led her to the conclusion that “fake” nutrition was at the root of many contemporary health and emotional problems.
So she stepped out of the university and into the veg patch. The first challenge was seedlings that were genuinely organic – hence the name of her business, Sought after Seedlings.
It is a family affair with Linda’s mum, Gilda, serving as project manager.
Only the best seeds could be good enough so they entered into an agreement with Franchi heirloom seeds in Italy. (A range of Franchi seeds will be available at the Bedford meeting.)
In addition to appearing in Gardening 101 programmes on DStv, Linda creates and installs show veg gardens – examples include the roof garden at the Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg.
She created the Bryanston Organic Food Garden as an open and accessible source of inspiration. She also offers a range of training courses and an advice service.
Mid-Karoo Express spoke to her immediately after an open day at Terra Madre farm in Elgin. She nipped over to New York before coming to Bedford.
This will be the Galvad’s third visit to the district. They introduced Franchi seeds at the 2015 Garden Festival and returned in 2016 to present a gardening workshop.
Linda won local hearts and minds with her deep knowledge and her hands-in-the-dirt practicality.
Lunch will be served after The Bedford Garden Club meeting which is open to visitors. To book contact bev@r63.co.za or 078 836 0956.
