Plant or donate your Easter plants instead of tossing them. Don’t sentence them to a prison landfill.
I always worry at the fate of all the beautiful lilies and bulb gardens going out my door at Easter; and the 1000’s even more in the mega stores, gas stations, and garden centers. Are they a momentary joy for the day? Are they welcomed into the recipients family of other plants or…. shunned after 2 weeks? Are any from years ago still entertaining every spring as they should be? Does everyone realize these are a living entity?
Yes, I am the kind to buy those poor, ignored, on clearance, cypress trees in the grocery store the week after Christmas-they pull at my heart at their lack of care. I know how hard they tried to live. All plants are living beings in my eyes, and I feel just as responsible for them as I would for my Willow.
1909 postcard
Unfortunately, in our saturated world of goods upon goods; there are millions of these plants grown every year-with the majority imported from Canada; and every year they are sentenced to a landfill after only a few weeks. All that human energy and fuel to get them here picture perfect-seems a huge waste all around and an unjust reward for their sweet pleasure they so freely gave us. I can never grasp why someone would carelessly toss them instead of taking a minute to plant outside. Each Spring I drive by dumpsters loaded with spent lilies and headless, pots of tulips; abandoned and left to die. I think we should start a community project in each town of ‘Save the Bubs”. Think what a show it would make for our towns, parks, and government buildings every spring-and the money saved.
All your traditional Easter bulbs including lilies, tulips, hyacinth, daffodils, and narcissus, are perennials. Which means….they bloom every year. They are cold hardy, easy adapters, and faithful souls. Each year at spring they will come back and bloom profusely without a bit of care. They know what to do and when to do it all by themselves; and it is so easy to give them a chance. As the leaves turn brown cut back the stem and just replant them outside when frost warnings are over. That’s it!
If you would prefer an early, indoor show next year; water them as any other houseplant through the summer. Bulbs need a cold period to rest and rejuvenate so at summers end I store them in a cold basement or refrigerator to sleep. Around late January I wake them up, repot, and start their diet of weekly watering in a sunny spot. And then…..they come alive. This year my narcissus was blooming during our blizzard in February; it was just the best.
If you are not inclined toward dirt, potting and watering; then give them away to your favorite gardener, or better yet-a park or inner city area that needs beautification. I have even seen them blooming in the woods-an obvious attempt to disown them-yet they lived on.
Always saving, Lynn
Wheatgrass is well known in the decorative world, but even more notable in the health food industry and our environment.
Spring has arrived at the store and with it our local grown, organic, wheatgrass is everywhere! I love the deep green color and the softness of the blades. It is one of those things that makes you feel good just to look at it. It unleashes all sort of mental imagery outside our hectic, confined lives. We always have wheatgrass in the store; but early Spring I seem to overdo it and become addicted with ‘wheatgrass décor mania’.
We make grass bowls, grass nests of flowers, grass egg and flower baskets, grass gardens, and grassy gifts for cats & dogs. Each Easter basket ordered always has a little hidden clump amongst the flowers; complete with an egg or butterfly nestled within. An extra little whimsy from me to you; hopefully giving pause to stop and give you your own imagery. Decorating with wheatgrass is one of my favorite choices as it enhances any décor style. For the Victorian home; filling an ornate, silver bowl and propping a vintage papier mache egg in the center is perfect. For the modern home; it can be placed in a square, low dish with a simple, stone egg for a Zen effect. In the rustic or country home; a hollowed log or vintage enamelware pan is charming with a birds nest off to the side. One of my favorites is a dish of wheatgrass under a glass, bell jar or cloche; adding little extras found on a walk like a feather, robins eggshell, or when lucky -an abandoned bee hive.
Wheatgrass is a good buy as it is not just decorative but also a highly, nutritious edible-making it a great, dual gift. It is a natural detoxifier and blood purifier. The nutritious qualities are endless, and even placing a tray of wheatgrass at your bedside enhances the rooms oxygen helping with a sound sleep-as do many plants. Willow loves it; as do most animals. We should always watch the animals and take a lesson from them; they know what we seem to miss.
Grass in general has become the brand symbol of the green movement. It speaks fresh, environment, health, and Spring. And it is in fact a green item in terms of the environment. It is decorative yet useful, non toxic and nutritious, biodegradable, and local grown item. It is healthy for both human and animal, and uses no chemical enhancements. We just love wheatgrass. Or as Willow would say-‘it rocks’!
We sell wheatgrass by the $5.clump or a $30 flat. Ours is USDA Organic, and suitable for decorating as well as consumption. Pick up a clump as a gift or for yourself-feel good-Happy Easter-and sweet dreams.
I hear so many talking about their vacations and excursions to the Caribbean and Europe. These parts of the world are exciting with their own special places; however, one needs not leave American soil to see some of the most breathtaking places in the world. A person could spend months traveling from one national park to the next; and I have a few in my camera already.
Yellowstone has been crowned our king of national parks, with each Season having a special virtue. Winter is my absolute favorite time to be there-the serene beauty and solitude is truly inspirational at the very least; I felt what John Muir felt.
To be alone in the wild, with no sign of a modern world as far as you can see…is something each one of us needs to experience. The winter silence is mesmerizing and you feel your connection and also…. your place amongst its power. Life is put into perspective at Yellowstone; you quickly see that it is all, not about you, but yet we are just a miniscule part of Natures wheel. You are humbled next to 1000 year old trees; your reverence rises the higher Old Faithful does, and snow encrusted buffalo gain your heartfelt respect at their strength and survival. Who are we such little ants in this place, with no strength, power, or survival skills unless with a car and cellular phone. A scenario where money is unknown, inconsequential, and of no use.
The skill and artistry of Nature so outweigh ours that it is not even a contest; which is why I expect man continues its quest to conquer it-but I do believe he never will. We can clear cut mountaintops, dam rivers, and fly into hurricanes; but one visit to Yellowstone will show you just how small a part we are in this ecosystem and who really is in charge. Yet, we seem to do the most damage. The parks have had enemies of banks, railroads, mining companies, and timber barons. Today we add more enemies of fuel companies, technology, and land grabbers to the mix.
Our entire country was like Yellowstone before it was settled and the Natives living there respected the land, they still do-never using more than needed and never for profit. To them one cannot own land; but instead are stewards to care and protect it. Our responsibility. A rare time in history when both Native Peoples and a government agency somewhat agree.
I have sat in the snowy solitude next to a steaming river, not 20 feet from an elk herd of nearly 30 members; watching each other and wondering-but oddly not afraid. I have respectfully stood behind a tree as a herd of buffalo passed just in front of me. Winter nights are filled with the howls of wolves singing you to sleep. You don’t fear, you gain respect.
When is the last time you experienced anything like this on vacation or… anytime? It was one of the most awe inspiring events of my life, and I wish everyone would experience it. Then you would see our kindred inhabitants, and the wild and free, majestic surroundings. It changes you; and you leave with a peace and enlightenment which John Muir called a religious experience-his religion. Which it was; and it is mine.
Sitting with my Friends
Happy Birthday Yellowstone; I thank you for being there and showing us what is really important. My birthday gift to you is a forever pledge to keep you safe.
Learn and see all our parks at the National Park Foundation and download your free National Parks Guide-because these parks do indeed belong to us. Then put your own star and comments at your favorite park which just happens to enter you in the This is Your Land Sweepstakes for a wild and free vacation.
Think wild….Lynn
Preening in Montana
On February 23, 1994, Congress proclaimed this month as National Bird Feeding Month. This is a difficult month for the winged ones and providing even a small ration of food, water, and shelter will help wild birds survive; and ourselves. Watching birds can provide an almost Zen like break to our fast paced lives. Nature has the intrinsic power to relieve stress and angst because we are one with it; if you just give it the chance.
After an hour of steady telephone calls, I am known to slip away quietly and hide for 15 minutes. Quiet and peaceful with no connection to the busy world; I sit at the back of the store and watch the graceful frolic and soiree outside. There is no time better than another; whenever I arrive there seems a performance starting just for me. I have an odd assortment of bowls, urns, dishes, and feeders around the yard overflowing with seed, corn, and bread. If you quiet yourself and watch; you get lost. They flit, they hop, they flutter and they prance. Such a simple act of Nature with such a profound effect. Before you know it your heart rate slows, you are leaning against the window, and you are one with Nature. You are quiet and simple. Nature is simple, the original meditation I think.
For many of us, this escape progresses to a hobby. It is an inexpensive hobby and one that is actually a good habit for us-and them. Unlike humans, they don’t require designer feeders or porcelain baths-they are happy with an old cookie sheet or garden urn. And they graciously thank us by coming back every day for another show; no matter the weather.
We are lost, because we sequester ourselves to an indoor lifestyle of multitasking, artificial light, and circulated air. We have lost our connection to the Earth and Nature; something we all desperately need to get back. A Native Ojibwa friend told me that the people of New York City have glass, empty eyes because they walk and live on concrete all day; every day. Their feet never touch the Earth and so, have lost their connection and… are lost themselves. He lives on the First Nation reservation on Manitou Island in Canada; I thought his words were amazingly insightful for one so removed from a mega city, and told him so. A simple observation and antidote so clear to him and I, and yet so lost to them.
Feed the birds, watch the squirrels; it is a gift from Nature.
Get reconnected….it will save us.
Learn our winged friends and their songs below
National Bird Feeding Society Guide.
Enjoy Lynn
If you have a special message or want one, then use your stem roses or petals to say it. This is especially if you just don’t know what to say or…you just want to say it secretly. Choose your favorite rose colors or the traditional rose meaning and have fun.
Dark Red~I love you with passion
White~Secretly united in love forever.
Pink~You are lovely. A gentle beauty.
Peach~Your qualities and charms are unequaled
Yellow~The highest friendship or….forgiveness
Green~Your are fresh and lively or….strength
Orange~I admire your beauty or….handsome
Lavender~You are a dignified rarity
Mixing with miniature, garden spray roses of any color; adds ”beauty and youth” to the bouquet meaning. A perfect p.s.
Valentine Postcard c. 1905
Every January the Sundance Film Festival is held in Park City, Utah. In fact, the photo of myself and ‘Hoot’ the owl on the About Us page was taken there. It is a melting pot of the newest and brightest short films, documentaries, and motion pictures. A perfect setting for freethinking, nature, and the arts. Utah itself is awe inspiring; a treasure of national parks and wildlands. Three environmental films up for competition this year to watch for:
Wasteland-a documentary that chronicles a photographer to the world’s largest landfill and the pickers who sift through it; recycling their lives from society’s garbage. Sounds like a world away from our own kitchen trash bin-lest not we forget that away is somewhere.
Tungijug-a though provoking story on the annual seal hunt . The Inuit depend on them for food and the rest of the world for cheap fur coats.
Gasland-A relevant film to our local area regarding the push for the natural gas drilling process of ‘fracking’. A powerful look into the environmental issues involved here in our own Sullivan County, and across the nation. A lucrative offer to many rural landowners, seems a death sentence to the environment.
This is a fitting month to highlight one of the benefit arrangements in our online shopping section-the EcoShop; under Flowers For A Cause. These arrangements are specifically designed to reflect the charity foundation they represent, with 20% donated. Sundance is many things beside the festival; one being the Sundance Preserve. An environmental foundation promoting preservation of our wildlands. I have a design which I named the
“River Runs Bowl.” A rustic beauty I felt depicted its namesake movie, director, and Sundance founder.
Follow the festival and watch some clips of all the films at Sundance Festival
The Holidays are officially over, and resolutions are abundant. Resolutions are a funny thing; they can be large or small, they can be painless or overwhelming. However, we believe they are always for the better. I myself, try just one green change no matter how insignificant it seems to everyone in the store or the world; because collectively , small changes grow up to be large ones.
We all exchanged gifts at the store with one additional from me. Lined up with pretty red bows were soft rolls of (100% recycled, environmentally made) paper towels-one tagged for each person. Of course it was comical at first with much laughter, then mysterious, and finally incredulous. Everyone knows I am a tree lover and ban their daily use in the store. So …why would I be gifting them? Hmm-they knew something was up. Well, each tag came with my wish for a resolution to try to lessen their use in their own lives. Even to just stop and think about it.
Or of course, if they chose to eke them out for the year as their own private store roll-that was their choice. This seemed a very small resolution request. I suspect to some it seems totally overwhelming, but it really isn’t if you just think on this trivial action for a moment. Paper towels are an addictive habit. They are easy, available, and replaceable. However, if every household replaced just one-only one-virgin fiber, paper towel roll with an environmentally made roll; do you know how many trees we could save? A phenomenal 544,000. That’s a State park-can you imagine that…….try to-really try.
