[whitecrow]

Originally Posted by quest

i have a balcony that is hardly ever used, i am considering to convert it into a small herbal garden. just bit by bit introducing plants and seeds to see if they like the environment.

All I have is a 12' x 12' patio. Use your imagination. Besides seating, a fountain and a small table, I have four palm trees, a banana tree, and over 50 large and small plants. A sunny balcony or patio is perfect for herbs and specimen plants. One that's mostly shady, like mine, is more suited to tropicals and flowers.

Originally Posted by quest

i really would like to develop the kind of sensitivity to receive or exchange with nature...natures knowledge and our free will and creativity, those two combined.

If you have the desire and don't act, that's a useless velleity. If you have the desire and act, that is accomplishment. If your intent is good then nature will be friendly to you. It is not something you can learn by watching documentaries or reading books. Whether you wildcraft herbs or collect rocks or take nothing but photos, the way to get intimate with nature is to get intimate with nature. Your intent and openness will guide your accomplishment.