Perambulations 1: DIY lunch

Discovered the Canadian Carnivorous Plant Society. "The world of insectivorous plants is both mysterious and fascinating. During the course of their evolution, they have developed remarkable capacities to attract, capture and digest living insects. This is largely due to the extreme poverty of the environment in which they grow.

"Their prey supplies them with nutrients necessary for healthy growth." Yum. Those I saw on display were quite beautiful.

The society also believes in "the protection of indigenous species and habitats which always remain an important issue for our society." Let me extend that a bit: what little remains of our "natural" environment is rapidly disappearing.

We can each do our small part. So, for example, enough with the big-corporation, factory-farmed, genetically modified tomato that tastes like a piece of 8 by 10 photocopy paper.

Here's a small-business website (the place is located just a few blocks away from me) that explains the appeal of the old-fashioned love apple. Of course, these are more expensive to buy than are generic seedlings. They may also produce fewer fruit, and need more care. (Seeds of Diversity Canada publishes a complete heritage catalogue.) But however much extra cash you have, consider testing out some home-grown this summer, heritage or not. Anything ripened in the sun is a delicious treat.

No back yard? No problem. Apartment dwellers can buy hanging planters or window boxes, or even convert a makeshift container or three for the fire escape (leaving the path free for a real escape, of course). The only caveat is that plants exposed to the wind dry faster, and need more watering. Bon appetite!