Gaiaceous Gardens
Live in the woods…not the weeds.
gaiaceousgardens
Website:
https://gaiaceousgardens.wordpress.com
Profile:
Gaiaceous Gardens is a permaculture-based residential landscape management company that specializes in using native plants to create, enhance or restore an urban or suburban forest, food forest and unique wildlife habitat. We also run a working/ teaching urban farm & certified wildlife habitat in Shoreline, WA.
Posts by gaiaceousgardens:
Hours & Info
The days are growing longer in this half of the sphere we call Earth, which means the soil is warming slowly, and the tiniest of forest flora is emerging. I found a patch of one of my favorites today: Western Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera oblongifolia).
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It’s not related to Plantain (Plantago sp.) at all, though it’s known for many of the same medicinal uses. It’s actually an Orchid, and if I’m lucky, I’ll come upon its small stems with so many little, white flowers later in the season.
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In the meantime, I’m in love with the foliage. If it only ever provided this display to the world, I’d be happy.
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It’s not rare or unique to WA State - or even the PNW - but I love it.
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And, perhaps just as endearing to me (because I’m a total geek for forest soil and soil science in general), is that these beautiful, little Orchids prefer lush, shaded forest soil covered in thick, healthy biomass.
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I invite you to thoroughly examine the section of forest floor I’ve captured in this photograph - the cones and sticks that have fallen, so many seasons of Doug Fir needles, green moss growing over everything. No one takes a sturdy rake to the forest and scrapes it bare of mulch and topsoil - the sad fate of too many cultivated garden beds I see. This is where digestion begins for the forest...and everything we’re told about healthy gut flora leading to healthy digestion leading to overall good health applies to the forest as well.
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After all, we are part of nature and nature is part of us...and healthy, emerging Rattlesnake Plantain makes me happy.
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#pacificnorthwest #forest #soil #shade #moss #biomass #mulch #compost #healthysoil #livingsoil #rattlesnakeplantain
I went for a walk today seeking time with the trees and found the divine in their midst...
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#morning #walk #forestbathing #phytoncides #douglasfir #forest #forestphotography #gaia #honoringthesacred #forestporn
Favorite Quote:
I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose, I would always greet it in a garden. ~Ruth Stout
