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star-anise · 2 years

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You just posted like ten different things about potatoes in the span of maybe five minutes, and I gotta know your take on "The Martian".

Like, the (fictional) man alone on a planet literally only survives because of potatoes shrink-wrapped in plastic for a Thanksgiving meal. If they weren't slated to be on Mars for Thanksgiving, he would have died.

And Andy Weir (author of the original novel) did such a good job with the science of every other element to the story, I honest-to-god believe that potatoes could actually manage to grow in Martian soil (even if that's not been proven for certain afaik).

Which means..... could potatoes terraform Mars into sustaining life??? Are potatoes the key to the universe???

Haha sorry for going so hard on them! Those were mostly all posts from 2020 when gardening and fantasy worldbuilding were lockdown fixations for me. One of them blew up recently so I wanted to give The People more of the content it seemed they were looking for. I don't actually know a lot about potatoes. I just think they're neat.

I do not want to take apart the concept of "colonizing Mars" as some kind of woke gotcha. I want to take your question seriously and charitably. However, I just am the kind of person who's like "Hmm, 'colonize', we should really stop and unpack that word," so let's do that, without forgetting the potato element.

(What "I don't know a lot" means: Potatoes were a crop my family grew several acres of for a few years on our farm before we switched our focus to sheep. I am about 50% as reliable as a horticultural brochure on various potato diseases and growing condition issues. I have listened to two University lectures and read perhaps four historical journal articles beginning-to-end on how the Columbian Exchange affected early-modern Europe, that and half as much again on medieval and early modern European farming practices and population changes, and perhaps three science/history articles specifically on the domestication and proliferation of the potato. I am a white Canadian who actively seeks out information and training in Indigenous history and culture in the Americas, but that's probably still only equal to like, two Native Studies classes in university. I know more than the average person on this topic, but I am also not an expert compared to people who have devoted serious time to learning about this.)

But I have some intuitions in a couple of ways:

The Martian is probably being wildly over-optimistic about its potatoes. They would probably have been irradiated into sterility before being vacuum-packed, and I don't think you can split and propagate them that quickly or successfully. However, potatoes can definitely grow in all kinds of conditions (including under my sink).

They might not be the world's healthiest or happiest potatoes, tho. Soil quality definitely affects the end product. Presumably Watney, being a botanist studying Mars' soil composition, knew how much he had to ameliorate his soil with latrine compost (which would definitely have needed a LOT of processing, since human waste is generally not good for plants, but maybe he used chemicals to speed that up?) to get good soil. However, we would probably need to add a LOT of shit to Mars' soil (and air, and water) for it to host plant life.

Mark Watney makes a joke about having "colonized Mars" because "colony" is Latin for "farm" and he farmed on Mars so haha, funny joke! And we talk about colonies on Mars partly because that's what science fiction did, and a lot of science fiction has been into that colonialism aesthetic. But colonialism and empires actually aren't great, not just because they necessitate huge amounts of racism, oppression, and genocide—I know, you asked me a fun question about potatoes and did not sign up for this, I'm not here to drag you, hear me out—but because they're also really sucky models for agriculture and successful societies generally.

My British ancestors tried to be colonial farmers in a place that is sometimes colder than Mars (Canada's Treaty Six), and let me tell you: IT SUCKED. Most of the crops and herbs and vegetables and flowers that settlers here brought from home and are used to? DON'T FUCKEM GROW. For the Canadian prairies to become conventional farmland, farmers and scientists had to scramble to find, or produce, cold-hardy varieties of everything from wheat to roses. A lot of flowers and plants that are unkillable invasive zombie perennials in other climates don't survive our winters no matter hard we try. The trees and flowers that hold cultural or sentimental attachments for us often don't grow here. The climate is so harsh and population is spread so thin that we cannot do the 100 mile diet and eat foods we're familiar with, and can hardly even manage the 1000 mile diet. (Not that I try, but, my family did once look into it)

A huge number of colonial homesteads, where the pioneers go out on their little covered wagon and build little houses on the prairie? Failed miserably and got bought up by land speculators. My own family came out to Alberta in the 1880s and moved around from land assignment to land assignment, like, six times before settling at their current place in the early 1900s.

Meanwhile: POTATOES

Potatoes are less than ten thousand years old! I am not any kind of expert on archaeology, please nobody throw things, but humans showed up in the Andes (think: high, cold mountains) of South America roughly 9,000 years ago. There are hundreds of wild potato varieties, but they generally produce fairly tiny tubers. It took active work of Indigenous Andean people around 8,000 years ago around Lake Titicaca to cultivate specific strains of potato, doing oldschool genetic modification to make them bigger, more delicious, and hardier. From that cultivation effort around a single species of wild potatoes, they produced thousands of cultivated potato varieties.

Ancient Andean farmers and botanists also played a big part in cultivating quinoa from wild amaranth, as well as producing modern food crops you probably haven't heard of, like oca, olluco, mashua, and yacon, and also coca, which may get a bad rap because it's what cocaine and coca-cola are made from but you cannot deny it's got kick.

Basically, Indigenous people of the Americas (South, Central, and North) went all in on botany and plant cultivation. Plants that we take for granted now have mostly been developed by Indigenous people in the past few thousand years: Tobacco, sunflowers, marigolds, tomatoes, pumpkins, rubber, vanilla, cocoa, sweetcorn, maize, and most kinds of pepper except peppercorn. These things were not found; they were made, by careful cultivation of the world as it was.

This gives us a vision of the future. Colonization, and industrial agriculture, both lean us towards the vision of a totally uniform end product, with the same potato varieties grown on each farm because we have made every farm the same. Instead we could embrace biodiversity and focus on privileging local knowledge and considering the interactions of environment, plants, microbiota, and people. We could create potatoes that were happy on Mars. We could create Mars that is happy to have us. We could create a society that can accept what Mars has to offer.

A lot of why we dream about colonizing Mars is the idea that the Earth itself is dying, that we are killing it, and we need to abandon this farmstead and seek out a new frontier. I acknowledge that shit is bad, but I don't agree with that framing. I am increasingly persuaded that there is a third path between ecological destruction and mass exodus, and I think we need to reject European colonial mentality that creates the forced choice. I find far more use in privileging the knowledge of people who live on and with land than their landlords and rulers, and I especially find value in Indigenous knowledge of land management practices and food production.

I am absolutely not saying that Indigenous people were or are wonderful magical ~spiritual beings~ who frolicked in an Edenic paradise that only knew death and disease once white people showed up. This isn't noble savage bullshit, nor am I invoking people who existed once but whom I have never met. I am saying that I have Indigenous neighbours, colleagues, relatives, and elected representatives. I have learned about mental health, leatherworking, botany, and ecology from Metis and First Nations elders and knowledge-keepers. And like. They have good and useful shit to say.

This is about culture, not race. It is not that their biological DNA means that they know more than me about how to get food from this landscape. It's about cultural history and what we learn from our heritages. What have our cultures privileged? Like, Europe has historically been super into things like metallurgy, domesticating livestock, and creating dairy products. If I want to smelt iron or choose animals to make cheese from, European society would have a lot of useful information for me! And what Indigenous cultures in the Americas have historically focused on instead of cows and copper* include 1) getting REAL familiar with your local flora and figuring out how to make sure you have lots of the herbs and grains and roots and berries you need, and 2) how to make a human society where people can live and have good lives, but do not damage the environment enough to impair the ability of future generations to have the same sort of life.

*Several indigenous American cultures did practice various forms of metallurgy. It's just one of those proportional things, about what societies really go for

Conclusion

I think we could use the processes that formed the potato to find and foster forms of life that could survive on Mars. It would involve learning to think that botany is a sexy science, and understanding just how rich and complicated the environment is. To oxygenate the atmosphere, we'd have to get super enthusiastic about algae and lichen and wetlands. We would have to learn to care deeply about the microorganisms living in the soil, and whether the potatoes are happy.

We'd have to create an economy that counts oxygen and carbon dioxide production on its balance sheets. To learn how to wait for forests to grow back after a fire, instead of giving up in despair because the seedlings aren't trees yet. To do the work now and be hopeful even though we might not see the payoffs for decades, or our victories might only be witnessed by future generations.

So yes, I think we could totally plant potatoes on Mars

But I also think that if we ever got there, we'd have turned into the kind of people who could also save Earth in the first place.

Which makes it a good enough goal in my opinion.

#staranise original #agriculture #potatoes my beloved

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scotianostra · 2 months

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12th July 1834 saw the death in Hawaii of Botanist, David Douglas.

As promised last month a more detailed account of this not so well known Scot.

David Douglas was born in the village of Scone on June 25, 1799, just north of Perth he is much better known in the US state of Oregon, where their state tree “The Douglas Fir” is named after him Douglas was the son of stonemason John Douglas and Jean Drummond. He attended local schools, and by the time he was eleven, he was working as a gardener for local landowners, the Earl of Mansfield and Sir Robert Preston.

While working at the Botanical Garden in Glasgow, he became acquainted with the garden’s curator, Stewart Murray, and British botanist Sir William Jackson Hooker. Douglas attended Hooker’s lectures and had access to private libraries. Hooker later described him as a person of “great activity, singular abstemiousness, and energetic zeal.”

In 1823, on Hooker’s recommendation, the Royal Horticultural Society chose Douglas as a botanical collector. The Society intended to send Douglas to China, but arrangements fell through so he ended up going to eastern North America. In 1824, he found passage on a Hudson’s Bay Company vessel, the William and Ann, and arrived in Fort Vancouver on the Columbia River on April 7, 1825. Among his duties were keeping a journal of his activities and collecting seeds and plant specimens that might be useful as horticultural plants in England. Douglas visited North America four times, three times to the Pacific Northwest and California to look for plants, particularly fruit trees, forest trees, and oaks.

On his 1826 trip to present-day Oregon, Douglas took careful notes on the local vegetation as he traveled up the Willamette Valley. On September 30, he recorded one of the earliest descriptions of the Indian use of fire: “Most parts of the country burned; only on little patches in the valleys and on the flats near low hills that verdure is to be seen. Some of the natives tell me it is done for the purpose of urging the deer to frequent certain parts, to feed, which they leave unburned, and of course they are easily killed. Others say it is done in order that they might the better find wild honey and grasshoppers, which both serve as articles of winter food.“

In October, he traveled farther south to near present-day Roseburg on the Umpqua River, primarily to collect the cones of the sugar pine . On October 26, he described an encounter with a local man who led him to the “long-wished-for pines.” While shooting the cones out of a tall tree, which Douglas described as hanging at the tips of branches “like small sugar-loaves in a grocer’s shop,” he attracted several Natives who seemed “anything but friendly.” After a tense standoff, one man indicated that they wanted tobacco, and Douglas responded that he would oblige them if they brought him more cones. The men went in one direction, and Douglas with three cones and a twig went in another.

Douglas was interested in all aspects of the landscape, including animals. Those named in his honour range from the pigmy short-horned lizard to the Douglas squirrel ( . He shipped a number of specimens home for examination by leading scientists. Some species, such as the mountain beaver , were new to science. Douglas also reported seeing—and shooting—California condors on the Columbia River.

In 1827, Douglas traveled through the Northern Rockies and then to York Factory on Hudson Bay before returning to London. He worked on his collections until October 1829, when he again traveled to Fort Vancouver. He spent time on the California coast in 1831-1832, collecting plants and animals and making geographic observations. In 1832, on his return to the Columbia River, he made his first visit to the Hawaiian Islands. He explored the Fraser River district in 1833 and left the Northwest on October 18, 1833, for a return trip to the Hawaiian Islands and a planned return to London.

Douglas had been intrigued by Hawaii and wanted to continue collecting. Unable to get prompt transportation to England, he spent extra time in the islands. It was there, on July 12, 1834, that he met his end,apparently trampled by a bullock in a deep pit designed to capture cattle, although foul play has been suspected.

Douglas introduced more than two hundred Pacific Northwest plants home, many of them important in our gardens today, including Oregon’s red-flowering currant.

At Scone Palace, near Douglas’s birthplace, stands a magnificent Douglas-fir, grown from seed that he sent back from western North America in 1826. His introduction of Sitka spruce to Britain forms the basis of that country’s modern conifer forestry.

Douglas was a tireless botanist and natural historian whose name is honoured in more than eighty species of plants and animals. David Douglas High School in Portland is named for him, a peak in the Rockies as well as numerous plants, are also named after him.

Pics are of Douglas, his memorials at Scone, in Hawaii and Vancouver.

Read more on his life and death here https://keolamagazine.com/.../the-mysterious-death-of.../

#scotland #scottish #history #botanist #oregan #hawaii

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ffxivaltaholic · 10 months

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LFRP: Diarmune Rhet-Khas

Character Name: Diarmune Rhet-Khas

The Basics ––– –

Age: 55

Birthday: End of Summer

Race: Viera

Gender: Male

Sexuality: Pansexual

Marital Status: Single

Physical Appearance ––– –

Hair: Quite long and silvery white. It is almost always pulled up in a ponytail. When down it is long enough to sit on (Hence why it is always up)

Eyes: Pale Green

Height: 6"1'

Build: Athletic and fit

Distinguishing Marks: Minimal scars from years of working with dangerous plants and animals. Two sleeves tattooed in a vine and floral pattern with a flower on his shoulder.

Common Accessories: His Gleaner gear, a journal, some kind of plant or flower probably...

Personal ––– –

Profession: Gleaner

Hobbies: Botany and Horticulture

Languages: Common (With a Thavnarian accent)

Residence: Thavnair/Sharlayan

Birthplace: Thavnair

Religion: The Twelve

Relationships ––– -

Spouse: None

Children: None

Parents: Father: Elías- Alive/Silk Maker | Mother: Myra - Alive/Tailoress

Siblings: Sister (Older Twin): Sofina - Alive/Student | Sister (Younger Twin): Helina - Alive/Student

Other Relatives: None that he knows of.

Pets: Korpokkur (Named Plum), Great Morbol (Named Dahlia)

Traits ––– -

* Bold your character’s answer.

Extroverted / In Between / Introverted

Disorganized / In Between / Organized

Close Minded / In Between / Open Minded

Calm / In Between / Anxious

Disagreeable / In Between / Agreeable

Cautious / In Between / Reckless

Patient / In Between / Impatient

Outspoken / In Between / Reserved

Leader / In Between / Follower

Empathetic / In Between / Apathetic

Optimistic / In Between / Pessimistic

Traditional / In Between / Modern

Hard-working / In Between / Lazy

Cultured / In Between / Uncultured

Loyal / In Between / Disloyal

Faithful / In Between / Unfaithful

Additional information ––– –

Smoking Habit: Nope Drugs: None Alcohol: Very rarely, he is quite a light weight and suffers terrible hangovers.

RP Hooks ––– –

SHARLAYAN: While much of the Viera's time is spent away, he does return to his Sharlayan home from time to time, whether it's to bring in a specimen or to simply visit with old friends, he is not to difficult to find there, particularly as his clothing tends to standout against the more conservative and neutral tones of his Sharlayan counterparts. As a significant contributor in his field of study to the vast library over his three decades of work, Dia is most likely found there, but also will peruse the market and visit Labyrinthos from time to time. Especially if any of his projects are flourishing.

THAVNAIR: Born and raised in Thavnair, Dia spent his entire youth there with his family. They are prominent silk makers and tailors, specializing in ornate and delicate garments. He's very familiar with the locals and after the panic of the End of Days subsided, Dia visits far more frequently. He's often found in the Radz-at-han market, out by Palaka's Stand, or in the silk factory pitching in to help his parents. A Thavnarian born, he has an identifiable accent and tends to wear garments that connect him to his home.

GLEANERS: Are you a Gleaner too? Then there is a good chance you have crossed paths with him at some point in time, especially over the years of intense gathering in preparation for the End of Days. Due to the nature of his work (Specifically in regards to dangerous plants and plant-like creatures, IE: Morbols) it's very likely your Character might work side by side with him, or at least in the same vicinity.

TRAVELS/IN PASSING: There are very few places on this grand shard that Dia has not been, which means his availability to meet people is vast and ever expanding! Perhaps you came across him at an Inn, or aboard a ship? Maybe you met him in one of the main cities, or out in the boonies of the continents... Regardless, Dia can be basically anywhere necessary to meet your character. (Note: Not the First however, I'm fairly lore strict on this point since only the WoL can freely travel back and forth at this point in the story and he is not a WoLPC.)

Contact Information ––– –

I would prefer to be contacted via Tumblr first before giving out my Discord.

In game and Discord RP works for me, though I prefer in game.

His Carrd: https://diarmune.carrd.co/

#ffxiv lfrp #Looking for rp #Diarmune Rhet-khas

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sillyguy-collective · 8 months

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hello!

we are an osdd traumagenic system of 9. bodily: - a minor - female - some health issues - 5'9" - blond

jayce @thuidium-delicatulum - host - 14 yrs old - uses he/she pronouns (bigender) - bisexual - taken by boyfriend @dr-finn - likes: plants, cartoons, music, dr who, bbc sherlock, sanrio, be more chill, the magnus archives

silas @forests-and-tears - 17 yrs old - uses he/him pronouns - gay - taken by boyfriend @likethewitchproject - likes: botany/horticulture, old films, reading russian philosophy, physical media, film photography and journalling

ash @argh-scary - persecutor - 16 yrs old - he/him pronouns - gay - taken by boyfriend @fun-and-james - likes: fantastic mr fox, undertale, fnaf, creepypasta, the backrooms, scp, fish

void @emptyvoid123 - emotional protector - 20 yrs old (???) - they/it - aroace - likes: psychology, old films

julien @julien-lulien - 19 yrs old - he/him - gay - likes: reading, learning latin, studying botany, writing poetry, welcome to night vale, the books 1984, ella minnow pea the secret history and dr who.

lola - 4 yrs old - she/her - likes: charlie and lola, princesses, disney, pink and white marshmallows

megan @megankiddo - 7 yrs old - she/her - likes: adventure time, cartoons, primary colours, clowns, crayon drawing

dark blue @the-dark-blue-things - 5-8 yrs old - he/him - likes: astronomy, sleeping, dark blue colours

anya - 2-12 yrs old - she/her - likes: nursery rhymes, bee and puppycat, squirrels

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oliolioxenfreewrites · 5 months

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Time's Eden

Chapter 1: The Awakening Garden

As the day relinquished its last light to the embrace of twilight, the sprawling greenhouses of Ottawa’s National Botanical Research Facility glimmered faintly against the dimming sky. This sanctuary, a fortress of science amidst the world’s chaos, was where I, Alex Navarro Vexler, dedicated my life to combating the scars left by ecological neglect.

Every corridor and lab bench in our facility is a testament to our tireless efforts to revive the once-thriving wilderness of Canada. Unfortunately, with global warming at an all-time high, we are now facing the consequences of some individuals' ignorance. Public health is dismal, and finding fresh produce outside our local farmers' markets is becoming increasingly difficult.

Our new desolate and barren landscapes test humanity's tenacity and perseverance. Residents of Canada and the whole world struggle to maintain a sense of community, supporting each other through thick and thin. However, even in the darkest moments, stirring tales of courage and unity emerge, glimmers of hope reminding us of the indomitable human spirit.

Today’s work had centered on indigenous species, those relics of a verdant past now teetering on the edge of extinction. As the facility’s chief botanist, I pulled these species back from oblivion, using a blend of ancient horticultural wisdom and the latest scientific advances.

My colleague, Monique Thérèse Dubois, had departed earlier with her usual spirited farewell, her words lingering in the cool lab air.

“Alex, don’t forget, we test the Arctic willow hybrids tomorrow. It could be a milestone for the rewilding efforts up north!” Her optimism, as always, was infectious. Leaving me the botanical laboratory to me, I couldn't ask for a better end to a boring Thursday night.

Don't get me wrong I savored the solitude of the lab, a quiet sanctuary where I felt most attuned to my purpose. But tonight, as I was about to leave, my eye caught an unusual shimmer in the shadows of the archival room. Amidst the stacks of outdated files and botany records, I saw a shimmering object.

Drawn by mundane curiosity, I approached and discovered an ornately engraved pocket watch, its surface adorned with delicate botanical motifs, mysteriously warm to the touch. Never seen this before in the lab, I thought maybe opening it could reveal its owner. Opening the cover, I found it stopped at 3:07; beneath it, an inscription: “Tempus Eden.”

Time’s Eden? What a peculiar name for a watch.

Beside that, partially obscured by a pile of dusty periodicals from previous scientists, another book, seemingly more personal and less scientific. I brushed off the cover and opened it to find it filled with detailed sketches and notes. It wasn’t plants that caught my eye this time, but rather the sketches of a person—Jordan Pike the author of these journals from the inscriptions written below them.

The drawings captured him in various poses, his stunning Egyptian features detailed with an artist's affection, hinting at an almost palpable allure. Each stroke of the pencil conveyed a layered sense of Jordan's mysterious presence, an allure that felt timeless and exhilarating. Who was lucky enough to draw these?

Despite myself, I felt a surge of unexpected, very inappropriate feelings as I traced the lines of Jordan's Tarzan-like figure with my gaze, wondering about the person behind these intimate portraits.

The images stirred a mix of admiration and a more profound, visceral reaction that I quickly had to shake off, reminding myself of the professional boundaries of my research. Although I'm at least 100% sure this man is daddy. The reward at hand was this resourceful discovery from past scientists that graced this lab.

Yet, as I flipped through the pages, the plants that Jordan was associated with—rare, almost mythical species—seemed to pale compared to the mystery of the man himself. His connection to these botanical wonders hinted at secrets that were not only scientific but deeply personal.

Securing both the watch and the journal, I left the archives with a newfound sense of excitement. The night outside had deepened into a star-filled canvas, reflecting the storm of thoughts whirling through my mind. The journey home was a blur, my thoughts consumed by the sketches and the cryptic messages woven throughout the journal.

Once home, the watch ticking filled my room's silence, growing louder, more insistent. As I laid the watch on my nightstand, it suddenly sprang to life, hands spinning wildly. A surge of energy filled my room; the ground beneath me seemed to tremble, and everything went white.

When my vision cleared, I was no longer in my room but in an expansive, lush forest, untouched by human devastation—a stark contrast to the barren tracts I so tirelessly worked to restore.

Though my surroundings were unfamiliar and the path ahead uncertain, the adventure was undoubtedly underway. The watch on my wrist continued to tick, a reminder of substantial risks in the temporal journey I had unwittingly stumbled upon.

#timeseden #short story #Time's Eden chapter 1 #creative writing #writer #writersblr #writer community

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nimbus-cobra · 1 year

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5 Leisure Activities That Will Certainly Aid You Increase Your Creativity and also Productivity

Leisure activities are not just a method to pass time yet can additionally have a considerable impact on our mental and physical wellness. Engaging in a pastime can aid us alleviate stress and anxiety, enhance our emphasis, enhance our problem-solving skills, and also increase our imagination as well as productivity. However, not all hobbies are developed equal, and some are more valuable than others. In this post, we will go over 5 pastimes that can help you touch right into your innovative capacity and increase your productivity.The first leisure activity on our list is journaling. Making a note of your ideas and ideas can assist you clarify your reasoning as well as organize your top priorities. It can likewise serve as a tool for self-reflection as well as individual growth. An additional pastime that can boost your imagination is digital photography. Recording pictures can help you see the world from a various point of view and also inspire you to think outside package. The 3rd leisure activity on our checklist is horticulture. Often tending to plants can be a reflective and calming activity that can help you clear your mind as well as enhance your focus. Fourth, we have reading. Reviewing can subject you to originalities and also perspectives, widen your understanding, as well as promote your creative imagination. Last but not least, we have crafting. Taking part in a creative activity like knitting, paint, or pottery can assist you develop your creative skills as well as increase your self-confidence. These pastimes are excellent methods to have a good time while additionally enhancing your psychological and physical health.

Read more here https://puzzlescompendium.blogspot.com/2022/08/help-with-word-search-puzzles.html

#puzzles

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jpenvs3000w23 · 2 years

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My sense of place is found in nature, is yours?

Nature, how is it defined? According to the Collins dictionary, nature is defined as “all the animals, plants, and other things in the world that are not made by people, and all the events and processes that are not caused by people” (2023). Is this how you define nature? Does this define what nature means to and provides for you? For the rest of this blog entry I will be writing about my relationship with nature and how it has changed over time.

My relationship with nature right now, at age 21, is very different, from what it was 10 years ago at age 11. Every day, twice a day I go for walks with my dog outside. These walks give me a sense of calm, peace, and carefreeness that I can only experience when I am surrounded by nature. Nature stimulates and relaxes all my senses, both physically and mentally. Outside, the environment is visually stunning from the trees and the birds in the sky to the rocks on the ground. The smell of ocean breeze or spring wildflowers, and the sound of leaves and snow crunching underfoot as you walk. The physical sensation of grass and water touching your feet and the taste of a freshly picked apple from an orchard. Having all my senses stimulated provides relaxation for both my mind and body. Walking outside and having plants and pets in my home significantly improves my mental health, and this has even been proven by scientists! In Hall and Knuth’s periodical review, they describe the many different positive effects that plants have on mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. My current relationship with nature is all about peace, relaxation, and rejuvenation for both my body and mind. And the effects of these interactions with nature help me be more successful in all aspects of my life.

Going on long hikes with my dog in the forest is my favourite activity to do outdoors, and I believe this is my “sense of place”. And it was my mom who led me here, ever since we were little we would go on as many walks and hikes with our family dog as possible, and honestly as a kid I did not enjoy it. But now that I have my own dog and have matured I see why she did it so much because now it is my favourite thing to do.

On a hike with my golden retriever Maisy - Taken by Julia Pridmore

What has been your reason to get outside recently?

When I was younger nature had a much different effect on me than it does now. It was all about exploration, freedom, having fun, and learning. Growing up I was fortunate enough to frequently visit our family cottage on the lake, I learned a lot about nature here. Back then nature meant we were going outside to explore the forest, go swimming, make dirt pies, and looking at cool animals and bugs. Learning has been an overarching theme in my relationship with nature that I have only recently discovered. Because as I got older I continued to learn more about nature which has allowed me to further my connection with the world around me and how to better understand the impact nature has on my life today and will in the future.

After reading this I hope you have come to appreciate nature and how it means something different to everyone. My sense of place is in nature, is yours?

References Collins (2023). Definition of ‘nature’. Collins. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/nature

Hall, C. & Knuth, M. (2019, March 1). An Update of the Literature Supporting the Well-Being Benefits of Plants: A Review of the Emotional and Mental Health Benefits of Plants. Journal of Environmental Horticulture, 37 (1), 30–38. https://doi.org/10.24266/0738-2898-37.1.30

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orangerosebush · 2 years

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Umang Kalra :: “REMEMBER WHEN THEY TOLD US THE MUSHROOMS COULD TALK”, in Alocasia, a journal of queer plant-based writing (link).

Think the above poem and journal are cool? If so, consider sending a submission of your own. I'll attach the journal's About/Send Work selection below!

ALOCASIA accepts creative writing of all genres from queer writers on a rolling basis with no reading fee. Please send no more than 6 pieces to [email protected]. Simultaneous submissions are encouraged, and we DO accept previously-published work. Please send writing in either .docx or .pdf format.

We appreciate both traditional work, as well as the weird, erotic, explicit, anti-colonial, and whatever you can come up with.

This is a journal about plants, gardens, gardening, parks, and indoor horticulture. Please don’t send us work that isn’t about plants.

ALOCASIA requests First North American Serial Rights from previously unpublished work. ALOCASIA requests Reprint Rights, Electronic Archival Rights, and Anthology Rights from all work you agree to publish with them. They pay $10 per contributor. Their ISSN is 2831-8404.

#I thought this might be something that would catch the eye of Blue and Fox and Phoenix as I know you all love to incorporate natural imager #imagery in the poetry/art you make

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resbar · 2 years

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IJAAR | An Open Access Research Journal

International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research is open access and a peer-reviewed journal that publishes high-quality original research papers together with review articles and short communications. It publishes original scientific work in all areas of Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences, Environment, and related Biology.

ISSN: 2223-7054 (Print)

ISSN: 2225-3610 (Online)

Issue: 12 issues per year

Publication: Fast and Continuous.

Scope

IJAAR covers Agronomy, Agriculture, Crop biology, Breeding, Marine biology & Aquaculture, Biotechnology, Horticulture, Mushroom culture, Farming & Advanced farming, Crop management, Soil science, Irrigation & Water Management, Pest management, Weed management & Control, Disease management & Control, Fertilization, Agrochemicals, Nutrient and Micronutrients, Pathology, Pollution biology, Landscape architecture, Animal sciences & Animal welfare, Poultry, Fisheries, Sericulture, Apiculture, Economic biology, Pharmacy, Social forestry, Agroecology, Embryology, Agricultural philosophy, Heredity, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO), Plant & Animal domestications, Food security, Food Processing and Preservation, Food production & Alternative food systems, Industrial agriculture, Traditional agriculture, Sustainable agriculture, Green revolution, Agricultural marketing and analysis.

#agronomy #journal of agronomy #agricultural research #IJAAR Research journal

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evoldir · 2 months

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Fwd: Job: SimonFraserU_BC.PestEvolution

Begin forwarded message: > From: [email protected] > Subject: Job: SimonFraserU_BC.PestEvolution > Date: 3 August 2024 at 05:27:31 BST > To: [email protected] > > > Colleagues, > > The Department of Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University invites > applications, from Canadian and international researchers, for a full-time > tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor > for the Thelma Finlayson Chair in Biological Control. > > The very general position description is below, purposefully written to be > broad, which may make it so you don't see yourself in it. But Biology at > SFU includes significant research strength in evolutionary biology, and we > would love to see applications from evolutionary biologists who study, for > example, the evolution of invasiveness, the evolution of host/parasite > interactions, the mechanisms of selection in new environments vs. the > home range, etc. The focus on a practical question (pests and their > control) as mandated in the endowment doesn't change the need for that > larger conceptual foundation of the research our new colleague will do. > > To see the full ad, please go to the position posting: > https://ift.tt/Sjd6HAm > > For more on the research groups in the department, go to: > https://ift.tt/QfhevgB > > The Thelma Finlayson Chair in Biological Control > We invite applications from outstanding, early-career scientists > from a broad range of disciplines related to biological control or > pest management, including but not limited to applied insect biology, > plant-insect interactions, invasion biology, and plant or insect genetics, > biotechnology, or genomics, in any forest, agricultural, horticultural, > urban or natural ecosystem. The position would begin no earlier than > September 2025. The successful candidate should have demonstrated > research excellence through a strong publication record in internationally > recognized, peer-reviewed journals and be a current or future leader in > their field. The new hire will be expected to contribute to development > and teaching of new or existing courses related to biological control > and pest management, as well as other core undergraduate and graduate > courses in BISC's program. We encourage applications from researchers > who will contribute to the Department's efforts in supporting equity, > diversity and inclusion. > > Dr. Elizabeth Elle (she/her/hers) > Professor | Department of Biological Sciences > Simon Fraser University | Shrum Science Centre B8242 > 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6 > T: 778.782.4592 | C: 604.813.4592 | E: [email protected] > sfu.ca/people/eelle/ > > > > At Simon Fraser University, we work on the unceded traditional territories > of the Coast Salish peoples of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tslleil-Waututh > Nations. > > > Elizabeth Elle

#IFTTT #Email

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steampunktomboy · 5 months

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Big Horticulture doesn't want you to know this, but you can just go to a forest, dig up anything small enough (that you can identify) and plant it in your own garden (horse dung recommended). They tell you it's "unsafe" to introduce wild species or those given away by a neighbor to your garden so They can sell you more plants that require hyperspecific conditions and the products to create those conditions. And all the big gardening blogs and journals are In On It too.

#horticulture #gardening #its a conspiracy

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growhubae · 5 months

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The Complete Guide to Growing Banana Plants at Home

Banana plants are not only a source of delicious and nutritious fruit but also add a tropical touch to any garden or indoor space. Growing banana plants at home can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful attention to their specific needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know to successfully grow banana plants at home, from choosing the right variety to planting, care, and harvesting tips.

Choosing the Right Variety

Before you start growing banana plants, it's essential to choose the right variety for your climate and space. Some popular varieties for home growing include Dwarf Cavendish, which is ideal for small spaces, and Grand Nain, known for its sweet fruit and disease resistance. Check with your local nursery or agricultural extension office for advice on the best variety for your area.

Planting

Banana plants thrive in warm, humid conditions with well-draining soil. Choose a location that receives full sun for most of the day. Plant your banana plants in a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil before planting. Space multiple plants at least 5 to 10 feet apart, depending on the variety.

3. Care

Banana plants require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize your plants every 2-3 months with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune away dead or damaged leaves to encourage new growth.

Harvesting

Banana plants typically take 9-12 months to produce fruit, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Harvest bananas when they are fully mature but still green. Cut the entire bunch from the plant and hang it in a cool, dry place to ripen. Bananas can also be harvested while still green and allowed to ripen off the plant.

Fun Point:

Did you know that banana plants are not actually trees but giant herbs? They belong to the same family as lilies, orchids, and palms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, growing banana plants at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. By choosing the right variety, planting in the right location, providing proper care, and harvesting at the right time, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious bananas. For more detailed information on banana plant cultivation, refer to research papers and scientific journals like the Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology. For more information and products related to banana plant cultivation, visit Growhub.ae.

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twiainsurancegroup · 5 months

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futurestarrsus · 9 months

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Root Worx Landscape: Award-Winning Landscape Design and Build Firm

Root Worx Landscape is a distinguished landscaping firm that has been serving the Philadelphia and Main Line communities since 2014. The company has garnered numerous accolades, including the Reader’s Choice for Best of the Main Line in 2019, as well as being featured in reputable publications such as House Beautiful, Philadelphia Magazine, Main Line Today, and Martha Stewart Living. Root Worx Landscape takes pride in its close relationship with clients and the community, offering expertise in landscape architecture, design, horticulture, and fine gardening. Their portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects, from city terraces to historic estates, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and creating lasting impressions. With a focus on blending indoor and outdoor spaces, Root Worx Landscape aims to enhance the overall appeal and functionality of clients’ properties.

Award-Winning Landscape Design and Build Firm

The landscape design and build firm, Root Worx Landscape, has garnered significant recognition and accolades for its exceptional work in transforming outdoor spaces into stunning and functional environments. The following aspects highlight the firm’s noteworthy achievements:

Recognition and Awards

Root Worx Landscape has been honored with multiple industry awards, acknowledging its innovative approach to landscape design and meticulous attention to detail. Notable accolades include the Garden Design Excellence Award and the Outdoor Living Showcase Recognition, solidifying its position as a leader in the landscaping industry.

Featured Publications

The firm’s exemplary projects have been featured in esteemed publications such as Landscape Architecture Magazine and Garden Design Journal. These features not only showcase the firm’s expertise but also serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring landscape architects and design enthusiasts.

Community and Client Relationships

Root Worx Landscape prioritizes fostering strong relationships within the community and with its clients. Through collaborative initiatives with local organizations and active participation in community beautification projects, the firm demonstrates its commitment to creating sustainable and captivating outdoor spaces that enhance the quality of life for residents. Additionally, the firm values client feedback and strives to exceed expectations, resulting in enduring partnerships built on trust and exceptional results.

Photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery

Our Expert Team

The expert team at Root Worx Landscape comprises landscape architects, designers, and horticulturalists, each playing a crucial role in the creation and maintenance of captivating outdoor spaces. Their combined knowledge and skills result in the seamless integration of architecture and nature, elevating landscapes to unparalleled levels of beauty and functionality.

Landscape Architects’ Role

Landscape architects at Root Worx Landscape possess a deep understanding of the natural environment and apply this knowledge to devise innovative and sustainable landscape designs. Their expertise in spatial planning, landform manipulation, and environmental considerations ensures that every project harmonizes with its surroundings while meeting the client’s specific needs.

Designers and Horticulturalists’ Contributions

The designers at Root Worx Landscape bring creativity and artistic vision to the team, translating concepts into visually striking landscapes. Their collaboration with horticulturalists leads to the intelligent selection of plant species, incorporation of sustainable practices, and establishment of thriving ecosystems within the designed spaces. This fusion of design and horticulture results in landscapes that are not only visually appealing but also ecologically sound.

Fine Gardeners’ Expertise

The fine gardeners at Root Worx Landscape are entrusted with the meticulous care and maintenance of the landscapes created. Their unmatched expertise in plant care, soil management, and seasonal maintenance ensures that the landscapes evolve and flourish over time, embodying the original vision while adapting to the dynamic nature of the environment.

Photo by Pixabay

Comprehensive Landscape Services

Creating an outdoor space that reflects your personality and complements your property requires a comprehensive approach to landscaping. Root Worx Landscape provides a range of services to meet your unique needs, from custom landscape and hardscape solutions to seasonal container gardens and blending indoor and outdoor spaces.

Custom Landscape and Hardscape Solutions

Our team of expert landscape architects and designers collaborates with you to craft custom landscape and hardscape solutions that transform your outdoor space into a breathtaking retreat. Whether you desire a serene water feature, a functional outdoor kitchen, or a cozy fire pit area, our tailored designs will exceed your expectations. Utilizing high-quality materials and sustainable practices, we bring your vision to life with precision and expertise.

Photo by Tom Fisk

Seasonal Container Gardens

Experience the ever-changing beauty of nature with our seasonal container garden services. Our team curates stunning arrangements of plants and flowers that evolve with the seasons, adding bursts of color and vibrancy to your outdoor space. Whether you seek a springtime display of tulips and daffodils or a winter oasis of evergreens and berries, our container gardens capture the essence of each season.

Blending Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

Integrating indoor and outdoor living areas creates a seamless flow that enhances the functionality and beauty of your property. We specialize in designing harmonious transitions between your interior and exterior spaces, blurring the lines between the two. From cozy seating areas that extend from indoor rooms to outdoor lounges adorned with natural elements, our designs enrich your lifestyle and elevate your home’s overall appeal.

Specialized Design Elements

When it comes to crafting exceptional landscapes for historic homes, Root Worx Landscape implements specialized design elements that harmoniously blend heritage with contemporary allure. This involves meticulous material selection, strategic outdoor lighting, and the creation of captivating outdoor rooms.

Material Selection for Historic Homes

Root Worx Landscape’s expertise in material selection for historic homes is evident in their ability to seamlessly incorporate timeless charm with modern functionality. By carefully choosing materials that complement the historic architecture, such as reclaimed stone or brick pavers, they ensure that the landscape design remains authentic and sympathetic to the property’s heritage.

Photo by Maria Orlova

Outdoor Lighting for Ambiance

The artful use of outdoor lighting by Root Worx Landscape creates a captivating ambiance that showcases the architectural features of historic homes even after dusk. By strategically illuminating focal points, such as intricate stonework or majestic trees, the outdoor space is transformed into a mesmerizing display of light and shadow, adding depth and enchantment to the landscape.

Outdoor Rooms for Entertainment

Root Worx Landscape embraces the concept of designing outdoor rooms as extensions of the historic home, providing inviting spaces for entertainment and relaxation. By integrating features such as cozy seating areas, fire pits, and pergolas, they elevate the outdoor experience, offering a seamless transition between the historic interiors and the enchanting outdoor environment.

The implementation of these specialized design elements by Root Worx Landscape epitomizes their commitment to creating landscapes that honor the legacy of historic homes while infusing them with contemporary allure, resulting in captivating and functional outdoor spaces.

Sustainable Landscaping Practices

Sustainable landscaping practices play a pivotal role in preserving the environment and fostering long-term ecological balance. By integrating eco-friendly design approaches and prioritizing long-term landscape sustainability, Root Worx Landscape sets a benchmark for responsible landscaping solutions.

Eco-Friendly Design Approaches

Embracing eco-friendly design approaches forms the bedrock of sustainable landscaping. Root Worx Landscape implements techniques such as xeriscaping, which minimizes water usage by incorporating drought-resistant plants and efficient irrigation systems. Additionally, the company utilizes native plant species, reducing the need for extensive maintenance and chemical inputs. By employing organic fertilizers and natural pest control methods, the landscape remains harmoniously intertwined with nature, steering clear of harmful chemicals that disrupt the ecological equilibrium. Through conscious material selection and the implementation of permeable hardscapes, the company ensures minimal environmental impact, driving a shift towards sustainable landscaping practices.

Photo by Scott Webb

Long-term Landscape Sustainability

Fostering long-term landscape sustainability is a core ethos at Root Worx Landscape. The company prioritizes the integration of resilient plant species that thrive in the local climate and soil conditions, ensuring minimal water consumption and maintenance needs. Through strategic landscape design, the team at Root Worx Landscape orchestrates a symphony of flora that flourishes year-round, mitigating the need for frequent replanting and excessive resource utilization. Employing innovative irrigation technologies, such as drip irrigation and smart controllers, contributes to the conservation of water resources, bolstering the landscape’s resilience in the face of environmental challenges. By nurturing a biodiverse habitat and promoting soil health through mulching and composting, Root Worx Landscape champions a sustainable landscaping approach that fosters an enduring and thriving ecosystem.

The utilization of sustainable landscaping practices not only elevates the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces but also serves as a testament to Root Worx Landscape’s commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term ecological balance.

Our Signature Projects

At Root Worx Landscape, we take pride in our signature projects where we have transformed city terraces into lush, green havens. Our innovative designs and strategic use of space have turned urban environments into tranquil retreats for our clients to enjoy. From small rooftop terraces to expansive city balconies, we excel at creating outdoor spaces that seamlessly blend with the urban landscape.

Transforming City Terraces

Utilizing our expertise in urban landscaping, we have reimagined city terraces with a focus on maximizing functionality and aesthetics. Our team incorporates elements such as vertical gardens, custom-built seating, and captivating lighting to enhance the outdoor experience. Our approach to city terrace transformations combines practicality and beauty, ensuring that every square foot is optimized for enjoyment.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Beautifying Historic Estates

When it comes to historic estates, we specialize in enhancing their natural charm while adding modern elements to elevate their appeal. Our tailored landscaping solutions honor the heritage of these estates while introducing sustainable practices and contemporary design features. We infuse life into historic properties while preserving their unique character, creating captivating outdoor spaces that stand the test of time.

Tailored Projects for Unique Properties

Every property is distinct, and we recognize the importance of tailoring our landscaping projects to suit each property’s unique attributes. Whether it’s a waterfront property, a hillside retreat, or a sprawling estate, our team excels at crafting bespoke landscaping designs that harmonize with the property’s surroundings. Our approach combines creativity and functionality, resulting in outdoor spaces that reflect the individuality of each property.

In the next sections, we will delve into our collaborative process with clients and our commitment to sustainable landscaping practices.

Conclusion

Root Worx Landscape has established itself as a reputable landscaping firm, recognized for its outstanding work and numerous accolades. With a team of skilled landscape architects, designers, and horticulturalists, the company has showcased its expertise in creating impressive and sustainable outdoor spaces. Whether it’s crafting container gardens, designing landscapes and hardscapes, or integrating outdoor lighting, Root Worx Landscape brings a blend of creativity and functionality to every project. As the preferred landscape design and build firm for prominent brands, the company continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence in the field of landscaping. For all your landscaping needs, Root Worx Landscape stands as a trusted choice for transforming your outdoor living space. Know more.

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