The Garden Evangelist

a review of Back to Eden, the documentary by Dana Richardson & Sarah Zentz

I used to think gardening was hard, until I discovered the methods of Paul Gauschi. I am sad to say my current living conditions leave me wanting a space to garden, but a few years ago, when I did have space, I used Paul's methods for several years, and often caught myself just sitting in the backyard, enjoying the view of my small success.

Back to Eden is a slow and beautiful film centered around Paul's garden and the visitors it attracts. It is simple, straightforward, with a decidedly religious bend that I feel adds character to the film. Does it bother me that Paul Gauschi quotes the Bible, or that this film has such an overt christian tone? It has taken me some years to come to terms with my own religious beliefs, and although I am not a christian, I am not interested in stereotyping either. Paul is an individual, and as such, I must get to know him, and not those who would simply identify with a book he reads and quotes. Besides, the Bible has a number of good things to say(if only we care to them).

Religion is nothing more than the stories we use to make sense of our lives, and we should be open to more stories. It does matter if one wears a cross, a crescent, or a star with five, or even six points. It only matters if we are full of acceptance and human kindness. Despite the religious overtones, Paul's advice on keeping a garden gave me better tomatoes, squash, strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins, beans, potatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and mint, to name a few; and with less effort on my part. Besides, the visuals are stunning—if one loves nature—and who doesn’t love nature?