Tim Barry's Green Thumb by Sarah Sparks

You may know Tim Barry from the 90's Virginia-based punk band Avail. Barry has continued with a solo career and will be touring the United States, Canada, and Europe this summer. He will be performing in Massachusetts at the Middle East, Cambridge on Sunday, July 21, 2013. https://www.facebook.com/events/234362063369312 

Here are a few of Tim Barry's tunes off his latest album '40 Miler'. 

 "Fine Foods Market" (aka: Tim Barry makes fun of Tim Barry), by Tim Barry. Album - 40 Miler. Chunksaah Records

"Shed Song" by Tim Barry (Official). Album - 40 Miler. Chunksaah Records

"Wezeltown" by Tim Barry. Album: "40 Miler". Chunksaah Records

"40 Miler" by Tim Barry. Album: 40 Miler. Chunksaah Records

But enough with his music. After browsing his official website, I found out that he was into gardening. I wanted to know more about his green thumb. 

Sarah Sparks: How did you get into gardening?

Tim Barry: I have always been interested in growing my own food, but never had the land to do so until about six or so years ago. Of course, my mother had a vegetable garden, and there were community gardens everywhere when I was growing up, but for the majority of my life I've lived in the city. I'm lucky now to have a quarter acre within the city of Richmond, just a couple blocks from the James River. I have two big vegetable gardens, fruit trees, laying hens, turtles, a cat, a dog, a dove, a 7-month-old baby, and a wife. Clearly my hands are full, but I enjoy every moment of my life here.

Sarah Sparks: You were featured in a documentary about sustainable gardening? Could you tell me about this film project?

Tim Barry: Yes! I was among about a dozen people to be featured in a documentary called "Develop a Sustainable Vegetable Garden Plan" - a DIY video project by farmer Cindy Conner from Hanover, Virginia. The movie was released in 2010. Cindy's mentoring skills and knowledge of organic and sustainable gardening have been instrumental in influencing many in central Virginia to grow their own vegetables and such. The video project was a lot of fun to be involved in.

Sarah Sparks: What are your thoughts on the difference between people who can survive off of their own land (hunting, farming. etc) vs city life where there are restaurants, supermarkets, and whatnot?

Tim Barry: I see nothing but benefits when individuals or groups of people step away from corporate influence and choose their own way. I'm lucky to be surrounded by many different kinds of people. Those who hunt and raise food and provide for their families nearly completely on that. Those who are urban gardeners and hobbyists (like myself), which some have moved past simple vegetables and started raising laying hens and broilers for slaughter. As well as people who are farmers in the country.

I live in a city. Many of my friends own restaurants or work in them. These restaurants add to local economic growth, support local agriculture/farms, and often culture and arts. There are also small, independent groceries popping up. AND of course the nation wide explosion of farmers markets has hit my city. I love the fact that folks are choosing to spend their money in these more home grown establishments, than Dutch conglomerate owned super grocers who have a tremendous local influence, but have no local roots. I think no matter what the difference in food lifestyles or preferences, people are finally again realizing that food does not come from a grocery store.

Tim Barry's Official Website: http://www.timbarryrva.com/