Sun Rises

On the leaves of the pink rose, droplets of fresh morning dew settle. Hummingbird rests. Finches sing. Doves meet, fly, and coo. Some plants look cold and restful. These plants invert and sleep. Brassicas flourish all of the time. Dark green tapestries, called “leaves,” of the broccoli and cabbage photosynthesize through the fog. With enduring rays, Sun steadily lights the world and causes the fog’s evaporation.

Sun and fog will play all day in our coastal world. Microcosms and microclimates fill Awaswas. Our soil remains incredibly fertile due to our area’s history as a wetland. Sun and Water encourage our plants to grow.

Big Storm at the Garden

A big thunderstorm blasted thorough Santa Cruz last night.  I managed to catch a few electrifying moments.  You can see the Cocoanut Grove, the Boardwalk, and the Santa Cruz Pier.

Sun and Rain

Alternating days of rain and sun for the past few weeks have been a blessing for the plants.  Many of our earthbound green friends have been actively photosynthesizing and have grown significantly.  The pigeons enjoyed a snack of rice, given by Don Domingo.  Lining the walkways of the garden are narcissus flowers blooming, and gladiolas preparing to bloom.  Today Carlie harvested oregano, mint, tarragon and cilantro from the garden.  These herbs have survived the winter and are entering their productive phase again with the lengthening of the days.  The blueberry plants have sensed the arrival of spring, and have their first small fruits.  The Nopal cactus, taking a cue from the blueberries about the arrival of spring, have awakened and are sending out tasty shoots that will soon be grilled, salted, covered with lime and wrapped in a corn tortilla.

Rainy Day at the Playa

The rain continues…

The Continued Blessing

As the rain continues, so does the gardener’s break from those hard labor farm chores. Today’s walk leads the gardener to the seashore.

Walks fortify the gardener’s physical body. Walks also fortify the organic gardener’s spirit. Organic farmers and gardeners must be in touch with Mother Earth’s cycles. Weather varies day to day, season to season, and year to year. Time spent outside sensitizes the farmer to the daily needs of his or her plants.

Even if the farmer cannot work his or her land, a walk outside shows the farmer what the crops experience that day. A successful organic farmer maintains his or her spirit and body, as well as, his or her crops!

The Blessing of Rain

On rainy days, the blessed gardener rests from the hard labor chores of maintaining the land. Mother Earth works on rainy days. With her delicious sweet water, Mother Earth waters the plants and cleans the pathways.

While the gardener rests from hard labor chores, the gardener must do some physical activity to maintain his or her strength. Gardening, also called “working the land,” requires extreme physical exertion. Therefore, it is helpful to one’s gardening to strengthen your physical body on days spent away from working the land. Activities such as walking, stretching, and dancing keep the gardener in proper physical condition.

A walk along a local river is an excellent way to keep your body strong and still spend some time with Mother Earth on rainy days. The birds along the river encourage other living beings to enjoy the rain. You see, the rain attracts birds. They sing, play, and enjoy the blessing of rain. As the gardener walks along the river, he or she hears the local avian symphony.

A truly organic gardener perceives birds as integral to the success or failure of his or her farming practices. Birds eat pests, as well as, distribute seeds and pollen. They also provide music and company during the gardener’s hard labor. A walk along a local river allows the gardener to connect with birds and Mother Earth’s rain cycle. In El Jardín, our organic practices integrate an age-old custom of praising mother earth and the blessing of rain.