Gardening With A Purpose
As featured @ Wai Ola Magazine
Morning dew is just beginning to evaporate from the green leaves of the garden. Liberated from condensation, flowers timidly open, petal by petal, and bees line up to pollinate the virgin blossoms. The Shama Thrush sings her song. The rooster responds promptly. Then, right on cue, an ancestral chant begins to weave through the garden, along the pathways that will soon carry footsteps and between branches baring precious plant medicine.
Each morning, Head Gardener Kerr Jackson begins her work day in the same corner of the Kauai Farmacy garden. Just beyond the Passionflower trellised fence, beneath the Cacao tree, there lies a humble stone altar. And, upon that altar you will find a new offering each day, placed there by the hands of the one who chants.
“Our garden is a very sacred space; a concentrated area of communion with nature, intention, and love,” says Jackson. “My morning ritual of chanting to the garden is my way of saying ‘Good morning! Thank you! I love you!’. I am also asking for the humility to hear and receive the guidance of the plants and trees. I find that if I sing instead of speak, I engage from my heart, not my head. Taking time for this ceremony is a powerful practice for me. It rekindles my connection with all things every single day.”
Jackson’s respect for the plants is shared by all who work at Kauai Farmacy. With a small, ohana-style operation, the crew is made up of a dozen herbalists, gardeners, and specialists. Called together by a Still, the environment is intimate and the sentiment is intentional. The plants are cared for like family and the garden is tended to like a home.
Growing over 70 different medicinal herbs, the Farmacy is a revolutionary example of thriving in co-existence. There are no rows and few rules. Instead, herbs are inter-planted and intuition takes the place of regulation.
Within the layers of leaves and intermingled roots, a delicate network of companionship between plants can be witnessed. Comfrey breaks up compacted soil and makes nitrogen, calcium and potassium more bio-available for surrounding plants. Cuban Oregano (and similar Mediterranean herbs) contributes strong volatile oils that deter bugs, pests and pathogens. Cacao fortifies the soil with iron. Cinnamon and Allspice provide shade for their neighbors that appreciate a bit less sun.
By honoring these mutual relationships, the plants are able to fully express themselves in their own time and, as a result, some of the world’s most evolved medicine is created. Though it requires patience, the benefits are worthwhile. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is richest in curcumin, the active compound that reduces inflammation, when fully mature. Lilikoi (Passionflora grandiflora), when harvested in full bloom, is an unrivaled anxiety and sleep aid. And, only after two years does Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) develop the constituents to fight adrenal fatigue and increase stamina.
By implementing respect, patience, permaculture practices and good old fashion organic backyard gardening, Kauai Farmacy is the leading example of a true “seed-to-cup” operation in the herbal medicine world. From seed-to-plant-to-harvest-to-curing-to-product-to the cup within your hand, the direct connection of integrity is never broken.
After greeting the garden, Jackson meanders along the pathways that lead to the tea house. One or two other crew members may already be harvesting, carefully trimming a Tulsi bush or plucking ripe Coffee fruit into a woven basket. Inside the tea house, an orchestration of careful creation is underway. Herbs within the solar dehydrators are meticulously examined and, if 100% dry, removed and hand-ground to the appropriate size and texture. Teas, powders, salves, tinctures and honey infusions circulate from idea to creation to customer. Odds are, if you purchase a product from Kauai Farmacy, the herbs therein were gathered from the garden within the week.
The rare freshness of Kauai Farmacy products ensures exceptional quality. Essential vitamins, minerals, macro nutrients and active constituents within the herbs are preserved and enhanced by synergistic combinations. It is not only the profound nutrient and medicinal value of these herbs that renders them successful, however, it is the entire energy of the garden expressed in each creation.
You can experience this for yourself. Visiting the farm is a complete immersion into the life-changing reality of herbs. Off the beaten path of typical tours, you will taste the tang of vitamin C-rich Cranberry Hibiscus and smell the alluring aroma of Lilikoi (Passionflower) in full bloom. Follow the resonance of a chant through gardens dense with sensation and allow the intention steeped within one cup of tea to saturate your soul.
If you can’t visit Kauai Farmacy, then join the ohana online. Their products reach countries worldwide and their dedicated support goes just as far.
