Oct 3 visit with Transformative Learning Class!

 We had a wonderful time on October 3 learning from and on the land that is The Orchard Garden, hosted by Madi, as part of EDST 534: The Theory & Practice of Transformative Learning & Education. Through sitting and observing, learning about the medicinal properties of certain plants, and reflecting on and enacting principles of foraging, we all were able to appreciate and think about UBC and our relationship to, and understanding of, nature a bit differently.

Students were invited to take photos (some of which you will see below) of anything that caught their eye and also to write a Haiku that captured, in some way, their learning and experience. Thanks to Madi, Susan and the Orchard Gardens for teaching us!

 

Under pear tree's shade,  

Hands reach for sweet, ripe treasures—  

Learning from the Land. 

Plant pedagogy
Forage but sustainably
Cultivate praxis

Maples, all different

Fruit, to forage, to harvest

Slug, you too belong

the gardens bloom, pure delight

Marigolds burst in colour bright

The cold breeze made the evening quiet

leaves wither to grey

Earth's vibrant hues now fade cold

Autumn’s chill upon

Sitting in the dirt

Staring at the growing figs

Thinking of grandma

 

Migrant birds in flight,

Gardens hum with life's bustle

Hong Kong in my heart.

little flowers bloom

Within the orchard garden

Calming ornaments

Three sisters grow tall, 

Corn, beans, squash in warm sunlight,

root and tendrils meet

Urban greens abound
Leaves whispering city tales
Fruits of nature's peace

A dandelion

Scatters in the open sky

Home remains below

Dandelions sit

While I smell the fire  

Brings me to camping.

Although of different kinds, all plants on this land obey the same law of nature.

They are all dying in this chilly October but are given a reward to look colorful for becoming a part of nature.

Would my life be transformed into a beautiful one if I, a part of nature, willingly surrendered to the same law of nature and became meek?

Grass with dandelion

Autumn is still alive

Just here you and I

Concrete meets the green,

Fruits hang like dreams in the sun

Nature's breath in streets