And the Lord spoke, “When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19:9-10, from the Book of Ruth. And as you’ll recall, Ruth was a foreigner).
Plant your garden wisely for it is a gift from God. Plant more and plenty so you may share your garden with others and the wildlife. Do this and you will reap a harvest beyond bountiful.
Author’s Note: I have always found that while sowing a garden is rewarding. Sowing it larger and wider, just one more pot perhaps, it is rewarding seven times seventy when you sow to share with neighbors And so what can be more enjoyable than having the birds and bees and snakes and creatures large and small, visit your garden. Sure they may peck a few blueberries or a dozen or so tomatoes, the vole lunch below on a tater or two, the bunnies hiding amongst the various vines. They work with you to cultivate, aerate and peck a peck or two of pesky bugs. Watching momma bear sit down under your apple trees munching a few apples while her yearling cubs romp and tumble about are golden memories. I had the privilege once while cat napping in the shade in my Adirondack with a sweet tea, to see the hawk drop like a rock from doing lazy circles in the sky. Not sure what was it’s prey, but we all share.
tom tenbrunsel, The Casual Gardener