The peak of gardening has passed, but there are still plenty of things to be seen, done, and harvested this time of year.
The Fall Garden and Her Vegetable Soup
Tag Archives: nature
Toadstool Foray
It feels so wonderful to be in the woods this time of year. The cycle of nature is so obvious, so vibrant, so crunchy beneath the feet and so colorful overhead. A perfect time for hunting mushrooms! Continue reading
Help others step lightly!
Mabon. The Start of Fall.
Saturday was Mabon, the beginning of fall, and I can feel the change in many ways. It’s amazing how abruptly it becomes obvious that the days are shortening, shadows are longer, the humidity of summer has broken, and that nights now require blankets. Continue reading
Help others step lightly!
Late Summer
Prairies and edge habitat are filled with color and the buzz of life. Continue reading
Help others step lightly!
A Monarch’s Message
My month has been consumed with monarchs – raising, watching, & tagging them. And if you’re going to be consumed by something, a butterfly is a pretty good way to go. Continue reading
Help others step lightly!
Magical Monarchs – Part 1
An Amazing Journey
Last weekend, a monarch was feasting in my backyard. As I sat outside watching her flutter around the flowers and amidst the bees, I noticed several other monarchs catching air currents just above the treeline.
These butterflies are preparing for one of the most astounding migrations on the planet — one that is longer than any other butterfly in the world. Continue reading
Help others step lightly!
Gardening for Wildlife
My aspirations for living life as sustainably as I can probably began when I was a young girl deeply concerned with the well-being of other creatures. Although my interests and understanding of life and nature have spiraled out a great deal since then to encompass many more concerns and observations that I’ve made, I remain fascinated and indebted to the teachings of wild animals.
So when we’re discussing designs for the future, to me, it’s important to incorporate wild animals into (or near) our spaces. Nonhuman animals have many lessons to share with us and are also essential to properly functioning ecosystems. Landscapes designed for wildlife are also beautiful and life affirming.
Help others step lightly!
A Late Lammas Reflection
The peak of summer has crested and now it is time to ride out the remainder of these long days, grateful for the warmth and light as we head closer to Autumn.
Help others step lightly!
Hands-On Permaculture
After almost two weeks of intensive living and learning, I have my Permaculture Design Certificate from Midwest Permaculture! It’s my first full day away from the course and I’m a bit sad that it’s all over.
During these past weeks, I learned that life can be full of community, of learning and working with others, of meals and conversations and a fullness that seems to be lacking so often in “the real world” (or is experienced fleetingly). I felt like less of an outsider on the planet and like I had found some place that I have always been looking for where people want to learn to live in harmony with the Earth. I felt connections and relationships blossoming in ways that I rarely do in my day to day life. And I was learning a tremendous amount on a daily basis. It’s hard to leave that behind.
Help others step lightly!
Tree Swallows
I discovered a clutch of tree swallows in a duck nest box in the urban park I’ve explored with you before.
These Light Footsteps 