Wide-spread deforestation due to industrial agriculture, exploitation of natural resources, and urban sprawl threatens the survival of native plants in many parts of the world. On a smaller scale, gardeners, landscapers, and lawn-enthusiasts often consider them “weeds” and eliminate them so that food crops or ornamentals can be planted instead. Many people never stop to […]
The Importance of Native Plants Read More »
So, it’s been two decades since I co-purchased a little degraded piece of an Andean mountainside, and committed to found a community and dedicate the next 15 years to regenerating the land. 20 years offer quite a lot to reflect on. It’s hard to know where to begin and how to keep out short. I
Reflections on 20 Years on the Mountain Read More »
There’s a lot of talk these days about getting “back to the land” and learning old timey skills is becoming somewhat trendy. In many ways, homesteading is a balm for the deeply disconnected modern human’s soul so it makes sense that it’s becoming ever more popular. Here’s a few of my favorite things about homesteading.
Homesteading Myths & Misconceptions Read More »
If you’re looking to reduce your grocery bill, add beauty and intrigue to your yard, or swap out your lawn for something lower maintenance, then edible ground covers are for you. Plant these low-growing flowers, herbs, and veggies along paths and walkways, in your lawn as a grass-alternative, or as a “living mulch” in your
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Yves shares how he creates designs for forest gardens in this excerpt from his Conservation Corner interview in the Winter edition of Botanical Anthology. This herbal magazine, featuring remedies, recipes and projects with plants for the winter season, can be purchased as a digital version here and as a printed version here. 0. Before ever
Forest Garden Design Strategy Read More »
Tulipán, also known as African tulip tree or Llama del Bosque, is in the Bignoniaceae family and is native to the tropical dry forests of Africa. It is cultivated extensively throughout the tropics and is well-loved for its showy reddish-orange flowers. In Guatemala, it is grown as shade trees on coffee plantations. Tulipán has a
Tulipán (Spathodea campanulata) Read More »
Myxomatosis is a highly contagious viral disease, caused by the myxoma virus, that affects rabbits worldwide. Among European domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), the disease is severe and often fatal. Infected rabbits have a mortality rate of about 90-95% (Ross & Sanders, 1977) to 99% (Hudson et al., 1955). However, in its natural host, a type of
Myxomatosis in Rabbits Read More »
Morinda citrifolia is a small tree in the Rubiaceae, or coffee family. It is commonly called noni, Indian mulberry, or cheese fruit. It is native to the South Pacific. Today, noni is cultivated throughout the tropics and is grown commercially in Latin America, Florida, and the West Indies. Noni produces edible fruits with thin green
Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Read More »
Persian Lilac is a small to medium sized tree in the Meliaceae family. It is a close relative of neem (Azadirachta indica). M. azedarach is native to the subtropical and tropical regions of Asia and parts of Australia. It has now naturalized in many other parts of the world including regions of South America, Africa, the
Persian Lilac (Melia azedarach) Read More »
While ornamental plants are appreciated for their beauty, most of these plants have numerous practical applications too. These plants are grown abundantly, yet are rarely utilized. In this post, I’ll be highlighting five very common decorative plants that you’ll see growing in and around Vilcabamba, Ecuador and discussing various ways they are used. Jacaranda
Useful Ornamental Plants of Vilcabamba Read More »
