Lecture by Alan Chadwick in New Market, Virginia, 1979
Lecture 15, Herb Study: Stellaria Media, Chickweed, Part 2
An Introduction to Alan Chadwick's Lectures and a Glossary of Terms
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The seed is potent, but the stellaria also makes a profusion of leaf growth. Its value as a livestock food is very high. Nutrition is actually a process of transformation. We try to make the dynamics processes of nature into something static. Stellaria makes its growth out of season, that is in the typical dormancy period. Gardeners are always trying to extend the growing season. Some varieties of plants will do well out of season, and some will not. Anemones, for example, cannot be forced. Some tomatoes will grow on into December, but the gardeners must be careful to select the correct varieties. Jerusalem Artichokes will only form up their tubers in the fall. A tomato that will grow during the winter period. Pears that are early, others that ripen later in the year. This is an essential matter of the gardener's knowledge, to know which varieties perform at which part of the season. Likewise, some potatoes will do well in the winter, while most will not. The students must first learn the characteristics of the many varieties, and may then experiment further with new strains. (12:44)