Befriend organic food

 In one of his sonnets, Shakespeare urges his beloved not to mourn for him when he is dead and gone, ‘with vilest worms to dwell’.
  In a similar vein the wicked stepmother in an old English ballad transforms her stepson and daughter respectively into a ‘loathly worm’ and a ‘mackerel of the sea’.
While referring to a person as ‘a worm’ may be deeply insulting and imply a wretched and spineless character, a little investigation into the secret life of worms reveals a life-giving force and means of producing food, in a scheme that is rich in nutrients and organic fertiliser.
To be initiated into this drama, check out www.wormman.org <http://www-.wormman.org> or visit Four Square Gardens at Shamwari in Maasdorp Avenue. Powered by vermicompost and thousands of worms, a group of farmers and conservationists representing the Worm Man, have developed a system allowing the urban dweller to produce enough organic vegetables to sustain a family throughout the year.
 When George and I visited Shamwari last week for lunch, we sat in the sunny garden beneath a shady umbrella, alongside the serried ranks of Four Square Gardens. The gardens are grown in wooden boxes filled with rich organic vermicompost.
This is made with the help of various species of worms from decomposing vegetable and food waste, and nourishes a variety of lettuces, spinach, green peppers, cabbages, carrots and flowers.
All flourish together in a companionable way, providing healthy eating and using up very little space.
There is nothing surprising or exotic about the menu at Shamwari, but the chicken schnitzel I ordered was exceptionally delicious and well-made. The French fries were only average, and the salad required quality control to ensure the sliced tomato had not exceeded its shelf life.
George proclaimed his herb and lemon grilled chicken delicious but agreed that the French fries fell short of the mark. Other options include toasted sandwiches, salads and fish and chips.
Although the cappuccinos looked hot, frothy and rich, they lacked flavour and tasted more of water than of full cream milk.
Every slice of layer cake had been consumed, so I ordered a fairy cake, and encouraged George to do the same.
Initially fearing it would detract from his machismo to eat something so frivolous, George declared the fairy cake to be delicious.
The well-kept garden at Shamwari, with its peaceful fishpond and backdrop of flourishing Four Square Garden boxes, provides a delightful setting for breakfast, lunch or tea. Service is courteous and efficient and limited onsite parking is available.
Additional attractions include a gift shop, a beauty salon and modelling agency that also gives dance lessons.
 Should you have a few hours to spare, book yourself in for a beauty treatment, tips on how to tango and a healthy avocado and chicken salad in the garden at Shamwari.
But before leaving, make the acquaintance of the Worm Man himself, gain insights into the dark and mysterious life of worms, and equip yourself with the means to enjoy delicious, organic vegetables every day of the week.
– Shamwari
Cnr Maasdorp Avenue/2nd Street Extension
Harare
Open daily except Sunday until 5pm
Cell: 0912 416 313