Gardeners often have a hard time waiting through the last stretch at the end of winter for spring to arrive so they can get their hands in the soil and start planting. Did you know you can scatter seeds for your favorite native plants already, right now, in February? In nature, the seeds would not be stored inside for winter and then planted when the ground warms up in the spring. The seeds would fall from the plants or be scattered on the breeze or
Living Seasonally, Observing, and Interacting With Our Yards and Gardens in Winter
January this year seemed to be having a bit of an identity crisis. We had the usual cold, snowy January days, then some extremely cold days, and then, bam! Spring! I was SO excited for spring to be here so soon! I’ve never been a big fan of winter and I usually view it as something I just need to get through. I hunker down and wait it out. I go into my own version of hibernation that involves a lot of hot tea, homemade soup, hoodies or sweaters, fires in the fireplace, and leaving the house as little as possible. I was overjoyed that my winter wait was over! The sun was shining, birds were chirping, and temperatures were in the fifties! I was ready to go hiking or go outside to work in my garden! I was all jump-up-and-down excited inside when I first thought of my garden, but then mild anxiety struck. My garden! I was so behind!
Build Resilience through Nature Connection
The primary intention of The Resiliency Institute is building resilience at the individual and community level through nature connection. Permaculture design is based on the functions of natural systems and by developing a deep understanding of these functions one can create resilient systems. Resilience is your “bounce back factor” (Brene Brown) – it is your ability to cope with and recover from stress and adversity. One well-researched way to build resilience at the individual level is through mindfulness.
The Secret Life of Fungi: How Symbiotic Fungi Work with Roots to Support Plant Health and Build Soil Fertility
Originally posted by Chelsea Green on April 18, 2018. Reposted with permission.
Did you know that our collective future could well pivot on people coming to understand that soil fungi matter? Or that there’s such a thing as fungal consciousness?
Fungi have intricate lives, behaviors, and uses most people are unaware of. Mychorrizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with the root systems of other plants. The crucial, symbiotic role that fungi play in everything from healthy plants to healthy soils to a healthy planet.
Beyond farmers and gardeners, Mycorrhizal Planet will resonate with anyone who is fascinated with the unseen workings of nature and concerned about maintaining and restoring the health of our soils, our climate, and the quality of life on Earth for generations to come.
The following is an excerpt from Mycorrhizal Planet: How Symbiotic Fungi Work with Roots to Support Plant Health and Build Soil Fertility that has been adapted for the web.
Fermentation Fest Featuring Local Brewers & Baker!
We're hosting a Fermentation Fest on August 26th
Come and taste innovative locally crafted fermented brews, savor fermented appetizers, listen to live music, bid on silent auction items, and have fun!
Local brewers are busy fermenting brews like mead, gruit, tepache, sodas, kombucha, and ale for you to enjoy. Plus most of the food will be fermented too! Enjoy your brews while you bid on awesome silent auction items and jam to some live music. Our very own, Ellyn Schmitz, Bioregional Herbalism instructor, will be giving a brief fermentation presentation with samples to try.
