Should they eat that?

The other day, walking down my block in Brooklyn, I witnessed the person in front of me reach into a wild mass of a nightshade weed and pop a few berries into their mouth. My first reaction was shock and worry. Should they eat that? My next reaction was one of curiosity. So I did some research and realized that the berries of this species of nightshade, Solanum nigrum, are in fact edible when fully ripe. I don’t have the courage to try them, but I admire this neighbor’s urban foraging. 

This is how I learn a lot of what I know about plants and gardening. In addition to formal study, I’m continually making observations, asking questions and researching what I don’t know. My work with clients includes this approach as well. Each consultation, coaching session or design project presents a unique opportunity to look closely, assess needs and provide information. A recent client described her consultation like this…

“I loved working with Gretchen! Her intake process got me thinking, and I shared a bunch of topics and questions ahead of her visit, to structure our time. Once she got here and we walked around together, a whole pile of more pressing questions became apparent! She arrived with terrific ideas for the areas I’d identified beforehand … and was such a terrific thought partner for the new questions I was tussling with.

And then such a terrific email with all the ideas, plants, links to plant supports and other resources followed! I was set to go and inspired!  It was the most productive and supportive hour (in the drizzling rain)!”

If you're curious about bringing more of the natural world into your life, I'd love to help you explore the possibilities. Book a consultation or a meet and greet to get started on your own journey of observation, questioning, and discovery. Remember, we can meet in person or virtually!