#gardening ebooks

[rebeccathenaturalist]

Happy Spring! I've just released my newest quarterly chapbook, Habitat Restoration: What It Is, Why It’s Important, and How to Get Started.

Habitat loss is the single biggest cause of species becoming endangered or extinct. Thankfully, we can help our local animals, plants, and other beings by restoring their habitat–even in our own backyards, gardens, and porches! Get the basics of what you need to know about:

What habitat restoration is

Why it’s important

How to get started

Troubleshooting your restoration project

Further resources

Whether you’re an experienced gardener wanting to grow native plants, or a nature-lover trying to make your corner of the world a little better place, this book will get you started on your own small-scale habitat restoration project.

You can get the ebook for free right now by signing up for my monthly email newsletter at https://rebeccalexa.com/news-updates/. Or if you want to purchase a paperback, it's available for just $6 plus shipping at https://rebeccalexa.com/habitat-restoration/

(Reblogs okay and encouraged--thank you!)

[uniquely-portable-magic]

"Our monsters are many, but at their core all they are is us."

.

.

.

A spooky, atmospheric horror read for a cabin stay 🌲

[rockislandadultreads]

Libby Spotlight: Gardening eBooks 

100 Plants to Feed the Birds by Laura Erickson

The growing group of bird enthusiasts who enjoy feeding and watching their feathered friends  will learn how they can expand their activity and help address the pressing issue of habitat loss with 100 Plants to Feed the Birds. In-depth profiles offer planting and care guidance for 100 native plant species that provide food and shelter for birds throughout the year, from winter all the way through breeding and migrating periods. Readers will learn about plants they can add to their gardens and cultivate, such as early-season pussy willow and late-season asters, as well as wild plants to refrain from weeding out, like jewelweed and goldenrod. Others, including 29 tree species, may already be present in the landscape and readers will learn how these plants support the birds who feed and nest in them. Introductory text explains how to create a healthy year-round landscape for birds. Plant photographs and range maps provide needed visual guidance to selecting the right plants for any location in North America.

101 Organic Gardening Hacks by Shawna Coronado

The word "hack" has a multitude of meanings these days, but if you ask garden author Shawna Coronado what a hack is, she might just wave her hand toward her own back yard. She could be pointing at the garden bench she created from leftover wood posts and a few cinder blocks, or the rows of wine bottles buried soldier-style along a winding pathway, or even the garden soil itself, which is blended by hand from an organic soil recipe she devised. A hack is really just a great idea that's come to life.

In 101 Organic Garden Hacks you'll find the top tips, tricks, and solutions Shawna has dreamed up in her career as one of America's most creative gardeners. Some are practical timesavers; others offer clever ways to "upcycle" everyday items in your garden. One characteristic every hack shares is that they are completely organic and unfailingly environmentally friendly. Divided into a dozen different categories for easy reference, each hack is accompanied by a clear photo that shows you exactly how to complete it. If you are looking for resourceful ways to improve your garden and promote green living values right at home, you'll love paging through this fascinating, eye-catching book.

The Edible Front Yard by Ivette Soler

People everywhere are turning patches of soil into bountiful vegetable gardens, and each spring a new crop of beginners pick up trowels and plant seeds for the first time. They're planting tomatoes in raised beds, runner beans in small plots, and strawberries in containers. But there is one place that has, until now, been woefully neglected—the front yard.

And there's good reason. The typical veggie garden, with its raised beds and plots, is not the most attractive type of garden, and favorite edible plants like tomatoes and cucumbers have a tendency to look a scraggily, even in their prime. But The Edible Front Yard isn't about the typical veggie garden, and author Ivette Soler is passionate about putting edibles up front and creating edible gardens with curb appeal.

Soler offers step-by-step instructions for converting all or part of a lawn into an edible paradise; specific guidelines for selecting and planting the most attractive edible plants; and design advice and plans for the best placement and for combining edibles with ornamentals in pleasing ways. Inspiring and accessible, The Edible Front Yard is a one-stop resource for a front-and-center edible garden that is both beautiful and bountiful year-round.

The New Plant Parent by Darryl Cheng

For indoor gardeners everywhere, Darryl Cheng offers a new way to grow healthy house plants. He teaches the art of understanding a plant’s needs and giving it a home with the right balance of light, water, and nutrients. With this book, indoor gardeners can be less a passive follower of rules for the care of each species and much more the confident, active grower, relying on observation and insight. And in the process, the plant owner becomes a plant lover, bonded to these beautiful living things by a simple love and appreciation of nature.

The New Plant Parent covers all of the basics of growing house plants, from finding the right light, to everyday care like watering and fertilizing, to containers, to recommended species. Cheng’s friendly tone, personal stories, and accessible photographs fill his book with the same generous spirit that has made @houseplantjournal, his Instagram account, a popular source of advice and inspiration for over half a million indoor gardeners.

[free-ebooksnet]

Book Collection for Gardening!

Attention all green thumbs! 🌱⁣

We’ve got the perfect place for you! 🎉 Our new Book Collection has the best gardening advice from trusted experts. 🤩

It's time to unlock your inner gardener and discover new ways to grow your favorite plants. With our expansive selection of books on gardening, we make it easy for you to take your passion to the next level.

Download here now 👉 https://www.free-ebooks.net/book-list/book-collection-for-gardening 🏡

[blog-karl]

MY FAVORITE KIDS’ BOOKS

Inclusive holiday goodies, freebies & fun for the whole family What children’s titles got you excited about reading books? Here’s my list: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll Anna’s Prayer: The True Story of an Immigrant Girl (about my great-great aunt) Bicycles North: A Mystery on Wheels by Rita Ritchie (this book got me hooked on non-picture books) The Bridge of the Golden…

[rhythmicreverie]

In the garden of time's embrace, two hearts intertwine, blossoming through past and future's dance. Love's sweet scent whispers, "Stay forever entwined."

[girlyguy]

hii, ask game :)) - List 5 things that make you happy, then put this in the askbox for the last 10 people who liked or reblogged something from you!

Let's see ... Reading a book in the garden, playing a ttrpg where we were silly and made each other laugh, a fun boardgame night, rereading This Is How You Lose The Time War in a day and loving it just as much as before, devouring a ton of amazing TIHWLTTW fanfics on AO3.

[mercyfulbooks]

The Garden Party

Title: The Garden Party Author: Wendy Clarke Publisher: Bookouture Original Publication Date: March 14th, 2024 Source: NetGalley – Ebook Genre: Psychological Thriller/ Suspense/ Fiction Rachel is not looking forward to moving to Pond Close, a cul-de–sac suburban neighborhood, especially since she is having to leave the older home that she and her husband Owen loved as it was their dream…

[vitrinanorte]

Free Ebooks/Contents →illustrarch.com

[prosegalaxy]

"Uniting Mars: Terraformers, Preservationists, and the Garden of Hope"

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the city of New Chicago. In this alternate history, humanity had managed to colonize Mars and establish a thriving society on the Red Planet. Yet, the parallel universe faced its own unique challenges, as Earth and Mars struggled to maintain peaceful relations amidst the constant tug-of-war for resources. In a small but bustling Martian café, Dr. Evelyn Gray sipped her coffee as she reviewed her latest research on terraforming technologies. Her work held the potential to revolutionize agriculture on Mars, ensuring food security for generations to come. Little did she know that her discovery would set in motion an unforeseen chain of events that would test her morals and redefine her understanding of sacrifice. Dr. Gray's research caught the attention of both Earth and Martian governments, who sought to harness its potential. As factions vied for control, she found herself entangled in a web of political intrigue. A mysterious figure offered her an opportunity: to collaborate on a project that could change the course of history. "We need you, Dr. Gray," the enigmatic voice whispered over the line. "Your work could be our salvation, or our doom." Torn between her duty to humanity and her desire to avoid entanglement in global politics, Dr. Gray faced a difficult decision: should she use her research for the greater good, even if it meant sacrificing her independence and potentially igniting an interplanetary conflict? The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Martian landscape as Dr. Evelyn Gray stood in her lab, a mixture of excitement and apprehension washing over her. Her groundbreaking terraforming technology had the potential to revolutionize agriculture on Mars, but it also attracted the attention of both Earth and Martian governments. Factions on both planets were vying for control over the technology, and she found herself at the center of the storm. A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. "Come in," she called, her voice steady despite her nerves. The door opened to reveal a tall man with dark hair and piercing green eyes. "Dr. Gray," he began, his voice firm yet respectful, "I'm Commander John Kellerman from the Martian government. We've been monitoring your progress and believe we have an opportunity to collaborate on a project that could change history." Evelyn's brow furrowed as she considered the offer. Working with the Martian government would undoubtedly bring its share of benefits, but it also meant becoming entangled in the web of global politics. She knew that choosing to collaborate could have far-reaching consequences, not only for her personal life but also for humanity's future on Mars and Earth. "This is a delicate situation," Commander Kellerman continued, sensing her hesitation. "We understand the risks, but we believe that together, we can overcome the obstacles and achieve something extraordinary." Evelyn took a deep breath, knowing that she had a difficult decision to make. She was faced with the choice between fulfilling her duty to humanity and avoiding entanglement in the political machinations of two planets. Whatever her decision, she knew it would set in motion a series of events that none could predict. And so, with a heavy heart, she prepared to navigate the complexities of this alternate history, one where Mars was not just a distant dream but a thriving colony, and Earth and Mars walked a tightrope of diplomacy and power struggles. Dr. Evelyn Gray stared at the holographic map of Mars, her mind racing with the implications of what she had discovered. The Red Planet, once thought to be uninhabitable, was now on the verge of becoming a thriving human colony. Her team had developed terraforming technology that could transform Mars into an Earth-like world, but with this great power came great responsibility. Political factions vied for control over the new frontier, and Dr. Gray found herself torn between fulfilling her duty to humanity or avoiding entanglement in the political quagmire. As she pondered her decision, a message from General Anders popped up on her screen. "Dr. Gray, we need your expertise at the upcoming summit. This could be our chance to steer Mars' development in the right direction." She hesitated before replying, "I understand the importance of the summit, but I'm concerned about getting involved with political factions." General Anders responded, "Your knowledge and ethics are crucial, Dr. Gray. Please consider joining us." Late that night, Evelyn's assistant Dr. James approached her. "Dr. Gray, if you don't participate in the summit, you could miss an opportunity to make a real difference. Think of the lives saved and the future generations living on Mars." She sighed, knowing he was right. "Alright, I will attend the summit," she decided. As she prepared for the event, Evelyn couldn't shake the feeling that her choice would have lasting consequences, not just for herself but for all of humanity. The fate of Mars and its colonists rested in her hands, and with a heavy heart, she stepped into the unknown. In the year 2167, humanity had successfully colonized Mars and begun the terraforming process. The Red Planet was now divided into two main factions - the Terraformers, who sought to speed up the process, and the Preservationists, who wanted to preserve the planet's original state. Dr. Evelyn Gray, a renowned terraformer, found herself in the middle of this political storm. As the lead scientist on the Mars Terraforming Project, Dr. Gray had always been dedicated to her work. However, she could no longer ignore the growing tensions between the factions. The Preservationists believed that the Terraformers were causing irreversible damage to the Martian ecosystem. The Terraformers argued that without their efforts, humanity would never be able to make Mars habitable. One day, Dr. Gray received a cryptic message from an anonymous source, urging her to reconsider her allegiance. "The future of Mars lies in your hands," the message read. "Which side will you choose?" This message set off a chain of events that would change her life forever. Dr. Gray was torn between fulfilling her duty to humanity and avoiding entanglement in politics. She knew that her decision could have far-reaching consequences for both factions. As the conflict intensified, she found herself drawn into a web of intrigue and betrayal. In an attempt to make sense of the situation, Dr. Gray decided to seek the advice of her longtime friend and colleague, Dr. James Reeves. They met in secret at a remote research outpost on Mars. "Evelyn," James began nervously, "I've been watching this situation unfold, and I'm worried about where it could lead." "Me too, James," she replied, her voice barely a whisper. "But we have to find a way to bring peace between the factions. The future of Mars - and humanity - depends on it." The two scientists knew that their time was running out. They needed to make a decision, and they needed to make it soon. With the fate of Mars in their hands, Dr. Evelyn Gray and Dr. James Reeves embarked on a dangerous mission to forge a path towards peace and unity. In 2167, humanity had successfully colonized Mars and begun terraforming. The planet was divided into two factions: the Terraformers who sped up the process, and the Preservationists who wanted to preserve the original state of Mars. Dr. Evelyn Gray, a renowned terraformer, found herself in the middle of this political storm. She received a cryptic message urging her to reconsider her allegiance. Torn between fulfilling her duty to humanity and avoiding politics, she sought advice from her friend and colleague, Dr. James Reeves. Dr. Gray: "James, I'm not sure if I should continue with my work or stay neutral in this political conflict." Dr. Reeves: "Evelyn, we can't turn our backs on humanity now. We must find a way to bring peace between the factions and complete the terraforming process." Dr. Gray: "But the risks are enormous! The Preservationists could destroy everything we've worked for if they think I'm siding with the Terraformers." Dr. Reeves: "We understand the risks, but we must act. If we don't, Mars will be torn apart by this conflict. We can forge a path towards unity, but it won't be easy." Dr. Gray: "Very well, James. Let's embark on this dangerous mission and bring peace to Mars." As they ventured into the heart of the conflict, Dr. Gray and Dr. Reeves realized that only by working together could they achieve their goal. With courage and determination, they faced the challenges thrown at them by both factions, steadily winning the trust of the Terraformers and Preservationists alike. Through dialogue and negotiation, they forged a path towards unity, ultimately saving Mars from destruction and fulfilling their duty to humanity. In the bustling city of New Eden, life was thriving and technology had advanced beyond anyone's wildest dreams. However, beneath the surface, tensions were brewing between the two factions – the Terraformers and Preservationists. They were at odds over how to best manage Mars' resources and future development. Dr. Evelyn Gray, a brilliant terraformer, found herself caught in the crossfire. One day, as she was working tirelessly on her research, Dr. Gray received a mysterious message: "Evelyn, you must question your allegiance. The fate of Mars rests in the balance." Confused and alarmed, she turned to her closest friend and colleague, Dr. James Reeves, for guidance. "Evelyn," James began, "I've seen how much you care about this planet. But we can't ignore the signs. We need to find a way to bridge the gap between the Terraformers and Preservationists before it's too late." Together, they embarked on a perilous journey through the heart of Mars, seeking answers and allies in the hope of uniting the fractured factions. As they ventured deeper into the planet's vast landscapes, they discovered that the key to unity lay in the shared understanding of their responsibilities towards Mars and humanity. With newfound determination, Dr. Gray and Dr. Reeves rallied the support of influential members from both sides, forging a path towards unity. Their efforts culminated in a historic agreement that preserved the planet's beauty while advancing its development. The two factions, once at odds, now worked together to ensure Mars' continued prosperity and the safety of all who called it home. As they ventured deeper into the unknown, their friendship grew stronger, and so did their resolve. They soon uncovered a sinister plot threatening the very existence of Mars. "Evelyn," James whispered, his eyes wide with shock, "This is bigger than we ever imagined." Together, they set out to forge a path towards unity and save Mars from destruction. In the bustling city of New Eden, Dr. Evelyn Gray stood at her office window, gazing out at the sprawling Martian landscape. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the terraformed hills. She had spent years working on Mars, contributing to the planet's transformation into a thriving human habitat. However, as tensions between the Terraformers and Preservationists grew, she found herself caught in the middle of a political conflict that threatened to tear her world apart. As Evelyn pondered her next move, her assistant entered the room. "Dr. Gray, you have a call from Dr. James Reeves." "Thank you," she replied, taking the call. "James! What's so important that you had to call me?" "Evelyn, I need your help. I received a cryptic message, urging us to reconsider our allegiance and find common ground between the factions," James said, his voice filled with urgency. "We can't let this conflict destroy everything we've worked for," Evelyn agreed, her heart heavy with concern. "But how do we start making peace? And more importantly, will the Terraformers and Preservationists listen to us?" James chuckled softly. "That's where you come in, Evelyn. Together, we can forge a path towards unity and save Mars from destruction." In the bustling Martian city, Dr. Evelyn Gray and Dr. James Reeves sat down at a small cafe to discuss the cryptic message Evelyn had received. "I can't shake this feeling that something isn't right," Evelyn confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. James leaned in, his eyes filled with concern. "Evelyn, you know I'd never steer you wrong. If there's something off, we need to get to the bottom of it." Evelyn sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I just wish I knew who to trust. With everything happening between the Terraformers and Preservationists, anyone could be a threat." James placed a reassuring hand on Evelyn's arm. "We'll figure it out together. After all, we're in this for the same reason - the betterment of humanity." As they sipped their drinks, the two scientists began to piece together the clues from the mysterious message. Each revelation brought them closer to uncovering a plot that could change Mars forever. United by their shared goal, Dr. Evelyn Gray and Dr. James Reeves would stop at nothing to protect their beloved red planet and the people they had sworn to serve. In the year 2167, humanity had successfully colonized Mars and begun terraforming, with two factions emerging: the Terraformers and Preservationists. Dr. Evelyn Gray, a renowned terraformer, found herself in the middle of this political storm, receiving a cryptic message urging her to reconsider her allegiance. Torn between her duty to humanity and avoiding politics, she sought advice from friend and colleague Dr. James Reeves. "Evelyn, we can't let this divide us," Dr. Reeves said as they sat together in their research lab. "We have to find a way to unite the factions." "I know, James," Evelyn replied, her voice filled with determination. "But how? The Terraformers and Preservationists seem so far apart." Together, they embarked on a dangerous mission to forge a path towards unity. They began by holding secret meetings with key figures from both factions, trying to find common ground and understanding. Through late nights of discussion and debate, they gradually made progress, discovering that the heart of the conflict lay in differing interpretations of their shared goal: the betterment of Mars and its inhabitants. "Evelyn, we've got to keep pushing," Dr. Reeves urged, as they prepared to make a public statement on behalf of both factions. "We need everyone to see that we can work together." Taking a deep breath, Evelyn stepped forward and addressed the crowd. "My fellow terraformers and preservationists, we have been divided for too long," she declared. "But no more! We are united in our goal: to make Mars a haven for humanity. Let us put aside our differences and work together for the future of our planet." The speech resonated with both factions, and their unity began to take root. The mission had been a success, saving Mars from destruction and fulfilling their duty to humanity. In the year 2167, Dr. Evelyn Gray was a respected terraformer, dedicated to her work and passionate about her role in shaping Mars for humanity's future. She had always been focused on science rather than politics, but she couldn't ignore the growing divide between the Terraformers and Preservationists. Frustrated by the bickering and discord, Evelyn sought out her friend Dr. James Reeves for guidance. "Evelyn," James said, his voice soft but firm, "we need to find a way to bring these factions together. The future of Mars depends on our ability to work as one." Evelyn nodded, determination in her eyes. "I agree, James. But how do we convince them to put aside their differences?" "By showing them the bigger picture," James replied. "Remind them that, despite their disagreements, they share a common goal: the betterment of Mars and its inhabitants." Together, Evelyn and James embarked on a dangerous mission to forge a path towards unity. Through secret meetings with key figures from both factions, they discovered that the heart of the conflict lay in differing interpretations of their shared goal. As the pieces fell into place, Evelyn realized that the answer had been within her grasp all along. In a bold and public statement, she urged both factions to put aside their differences and work together for the future of Mars. Her words echoed throughout the Martian colonies, igniting a spark of hope in the hearts of many. As tensions began to ease and cooperation grew stronger, Evelyn's vision of unity took root, saving Mars from destruction and fulfilling her duty to humanity. In the year 2167, humanity had successfully colonized Mars and begun terraforming, creating two factions: the Terraformers and Preservationists. Dr. Evelyn Gray, a renowned terraformer, found herself in the middle of this political storm, torn between her duty to humanity and avoiding politics. Seeking advice from friend and colleague Dr. James Reeves, they embarked on a dangerous mission to forge a path towards unity. Through secret meetings with key figures and finding common ground, they discovered that the heart of the conflict lay in differing interpretations of their shared goal: the betterment of Mars and its inhabitants. Evelyn made a public statement urging both factions to put aside their differences and work together for the future of Mars, ultimately saving it from destruction and fulfilling their duty to humanity. Dr. Evelyn Gray sat in her lab, examining the latest soil samples from Mars' newly terraformed surface. Her thoughts were consumed by the ongoing conflict between the Terraformers and Preservationists. The tension had reached a boiling point, and she knew that she couldn't stand idly by any longer. Evelyn turned to her friend and colleague, Dr. James Reeves, for advice. "James," she began hesitantly, "I can't just sit here while Mars crumbles under the weight of our differences. We need to do something." Dr. Reeves looked up from his work, his eyes full of concern. "Evelyn, I understand your frustration. But this isn't just about terraforming, is it? This is about humanity itself." Evelyn nodded, realizing that he was right. "We need to find common ground," she said determinedly. "But how?" Dr. Reeves smiled softly. "By understanding each other, Evelyn. By seeing the humanity in each faction." He paused, considering his words carefully. "Why don't we arrange a meeting between key figures from both sides? We can discuss our goals and find a way to work together for Mars." Evelyn's heart raced with anticipation as she realized the potential of Dr. Reeves' plan. "We have to try," she said, her voice filled with hope. "For the sake of Mars and its inhabitants." Together, they began organizing the secret meetings, each one bringing them closer to unity. As tensions eased and understanding grew, Evelyn made a public statement urging both factions to put aside their differences. The words spread like wildfire, igniting hope in the hearts of all who heard them. With newfound determination, humanity worked together towards the betterment of Mars, saving it from destruction and fulfilling their duty. And as the planet flourished under their care, so too did the bonds of unity between its inhabitants. In the year 2167, Dr. Evelyn Gray and Dr. James Reeves were two brilliant scientists working tirelessly to find a solution for Mars' impending disaster. They were caught in the midst of a heated conflict between the Terraformers and Preservationists, who argued over the planet's future. Both factions believed their methods would ultimately lead to the betterment of Mars and its inhabitants, but they were at odds over the best course of action. Evelyn and James decided that the only way to resolve the conflict was through open dialogue and understanding. They began hosting secret meetings with key figures from both sides, hoping to find common ground. The tension in the room was palpable as they discussed their concerns and ideas. "We must put our differences aside for the greater good," Evelyn argued passionately. "We all want what's best for Mars and its people." James nodded in agreement. "Yes, we need to find a way to work together if we're going to save this planet." As the meetings continued, it became clear that both factions shared the same ultimate goal: the betterment of Mars and its inhabitants. They just had different ideas on how to achieve it. With Evelyn and James' guidance, they began to find common ground and compromise. Finally, Dr. Gray made a public statement urging both the Terraformers and Preservationists to put aside their differences and unite for the sake of Mars. Moved by her words, the factions came together, putting aside their disagreements. Together, they devised a plan that saved Mars from destruction and fulfilled their shared duty. As Dr. Evelyn Gray and Dr. James Reeves stepped out of their Terraformer ship, they couldn't help but feel the tension in the air. The Mars colony was on the brink of war between the Terraformers and Preservationists - two factions with vastly different views on how to shape the Red Planet's future. Evelyn, an expert botanist, and James, a skilled engineer, believed that unity and understanding were key to ensuring Mars' success. They decided to hold secret meetings with the leaders of both factions. In these clandestine encounters, they shared their visions for a thriving Martian society where humans and nature coexisted in harmony. The Terraformers wanted to speed up the process of turning Mars into an Earth-like planet, while the Preservationists sought to preserve its unique characteristics. "We can't let our differences divide us," Evelyn argued passionately during one such meeting. "We need to find common ground and work together for the betterment of Mars and its inhabitants." James nodded in agreement. "Our goals are not so different. We all want what's best for humanity on Mars." The dialogue sparked a series of heated debates, but ultimately, both factions began to see the validity in each other's perspectives. Evelyn and James continued their efforts, urging the leaders to put aside their differences and collaborate. They knew that only by working together could they achieve the shared goal of creating a sustainable Mars. Finally, with Evelyn and James leading the charge, the Terraformers and Preservationists came together in unity. Dr. Gray made a public statement urging both factions to join forces for Mars' future. The people listened, and humanity put aside their differences to save the planet from destruction. They fulfilled their duty, ensuring that Mars would be a place of hope and possibility for generations to come. In a dimly lit underground bunker, Dr. Evelyn Gray and Dr. James Reeves huddled around a small screen, their eyes glued to the live feed of the Martian surface. The tension in the room was palpable as they watched the countdown timer tick closer to zero. Dr. Gray: "We have to find a way to bring these two factions together, James. We can't let this end in destruction." Dr. Reeves nodded solemnly, his eyes darting between Evelyn and the screen. "I know, Evelyn. But how? They're entrenched in their positions." Dr. Gray: "Perhaps we can start by having a dialogue with key figures from both factions. If they understand our intentions, they might be more willing to cooperate." Dr. Reeves: "It's worth a shot. We don't have much time left." He quickly pulled up a list of names on his tablet and handed it to Evelyn. "Here are the most influential people from both sides. Let's get in touch with them." As Dr. Gray reached out to the Terraformers and Preservationists, she couldn't help but feel hopeful. If they could just get everyone on the same page, maybe, just maybe, they could save Mars and its inhabitants from a devastating fate. In the year 2167, Dr. Evelyn Gray and Dr. James Reeves were at the forefront of the contentious debate between Terraformers and Preservationists over Mars' future. The stakes were high as both factions sought to control the planet's fate. As scientists, they believed in the power of collaboration and reason, but their voices seemed to fall on deaf ears. One evening, while walking through a crowded marketplace, Evelyn noticed a figure in the distance. The stranger appeared to be listening intently to a conversation between two Terraformers. Intrigued, she approached them and engaged in a clandestine discussion. It was clear that this mysterious individual held significant influence with both factions. Later, at their shared laboratory, Evelyn confided in James about the encounter. "We must find out who that person is," she urged. "If we can win them over, perhaps we can sway the tide of this conflict." They began to investigate the stranger's identity and motivations, all the while continuing their secret meetings with key figures from both sides. As they delved deeper into the intrigue, Evelyn and James discovered that the stranger was a high-ranking figure in the Preservationist camp. The pair cautiously shared their findings with this new ally, carefully crafting a plan to bring about change. Together, they devised a strategy to unite the opposing factions and work towards a common goal: Mars' prosperity and survival. During a pivotal public event, Evelyn stood before the assembled Terraformers and Preservationists, her voice steady and resolute. "We cannot continue to tear each other apart," she declared. "It is time for us to join forces, put aside our differences, and save Mars from impending disaster." The crowd was stunned by her bold proclamation. Slowly, murmurs of agreement began to ripple through the assembly. The stranger from the marketplace stood up, joining Evelyn on stage. "She is right," they declared, their voice echoing throughout the room. "We must work together for the sake of Mars and its inhabitants." As the two factions began to unite, humanity's duty became clear: to put aside their differences and collaborate for the greater good. By doing so, they saved Mars from destruction and paved the way for a brighter, more promising future. In the bustling city of New Martinsville, citizens gathered at the town square, chatting and laughing as they went about their daily routines. The sun cast its warm glow upon them, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blossoming flowers. Amidst the hustle and bustle, a young woman named Lily approached her friend, Mark, who was sitting on a bench reading a book. "Hey, Mark!" Lily called out cheerfully, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "I heard about the upcoming debate between the Terraformers and Preservationists at the community center. Are you going to attend?" Mark looked up from his book, a grin spreading across his face. "Absolutely! I can't miss such an important event. After all, it's a rare opportunity for us to learn more about Mars' future and make our voices heard." As they spoke, a group of children played nearby, their laughter echoing through the square. A man passing by with his dog paused to watch the scene, a contented smile on his face as he took in the beauty of the moment. "You know," Mark said thoughtfully, "I think it's time for us all to put aside our differences and come together. We need to find common ground and work towards the greater good." Lily nodded in agreement. "Yes, I couldn't agree more. It's our responsibility as citizens of Mars to ensure its future prosperity." In 2167, Dr. Evelyn Gray and Dr. James Reeves were at the heart of the conflict between Terraformers and Preservationists over Mars' terraforming. Both factions were deeply entrenched in their positions, and the planet's future hung in the balance. Evelyn and James knew that the only way to save Mars was by uniting the two factions. They began secretly meeting with key figures from both sides, discussing possible compromises and ways to work together. Their goal was not just to save Mars, but also to foster a sense of unity among humanity. As the meetings progressed, Evelyn decided to make a public statement urging the factions to collaborate. She spoke passionately about the importance of working together for the sake of Mars and humanity itself. Her words echoed through the halls of power and reached the ears of both Terraformers and Preservationists alike. ``` Evelyn: Ladies and gentlemen, we stand on the brink of a great divide. But I believe that together, we can find a way to preserve our planet and its history while still making it habitable for future generations. We must put aside our differences and work together for Mars' future. Preservationist: Our history is important, but not at the cost of Earth's resources or our own lives! Terraformer: You have a point, but we can't continue living in these harsh conditions forever. We need to find a compromise that benefits both sides. ``` Their words sparked a conversation among the citizens, who began discussing the importance of unity and collaboration at a local community center debate. Lily and Mark, two citizens with differing opinions on the matter, found common ground in their shared desire for humanity's survival. ``` Lily: I think we should focus on preservation first. Mars has so much history that we need to protect. Mark: While I agree that history is important, we can't ignore the challenges we face living here now. We need to start terraforming for our own sake. Lily: You're right, Mark. Maybe we can find a way to do both – preserve our past while also making Mars habitable. Let's work together and see what we can come up with. ``` As humanity put aside their differences, they worked together to save Mars from destruction and fulfill their duty as a species. Through unity, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future, they not only preserved their history but also created a new chapter in the story of Mars and its inhabitants. In the line of the community center, Lily and Mark exchanged glances as they overheard Dr. Gray's speech. The air was tense, but there was an undeniable spark of hope in the room. Lily turned to Mark and whispered, "I never thought I'd agree with a Terraformer." Mark nodded, his eyes fixed on the stage where Dr. Gray was speaking passionately about unity. "It's time we put our differences aside. Our future depends on it." In that moment, they realized they were part of something bigger than themselves - a movement for change and understanding. Together, they stood up to face the crowd, their voices joining in unison as they called for unity and cooperation between Terraformers and Preservationists. In the local community center, Lily and Mark engaged in a heated debate about the importance of unity. "Unity is essential for our survival," Lily argued passionately. "We must put aside our differences and work together to achieve our common goals." Mark, however, was skeptical. "Unity can only be achieved when everyone's voice is heard and respected," he countered. "Otherwise, it becomes a facade for control and manipulation." As their conversation continued, other community members joined in, sharing their own perspectives on unity and collaboration. The dialogue was lively, spirited, and enlightening. In the lively debate, Lily and Mark continued to exchange ideas and perspectives, each attempting to persuade the other of their respective viewpoints. "Unity is crucial for survival," Lily insisted passionately, "We must come together as one to face the challenges ahead." Meanwhile, Mark countered with a more diplomatic approach, "While unity is important, we can only achieve it when everyone's voice is heard and respected." As the discussion progressed, the duo began to understand each other's perspectives better. Lily recognized that Mark was not against unity but rather advocating for inclusivity. Simultaneously, Mark acknowledged Lily's point that sometimes crisis situations require a united front for survival. With newfound understanding and respect for one another's opinions, they started brainstorming ways to bring the Terraformers and Preservationists together. "Perhaps we can organize a joint event where both groups can share their ideas," Lily suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Mark nodded in agreement, adding, "And maybe we could invite renowned scientists from both sides to collaborate on research projects." Their conversation continued late into the night, filled with laughter and enthusiasm, as they laid out a plan to unite Mars' inhabitants for the greater good. It was through this dialogue that the seeds of collaboration were sown, eventually leading humanity towards a shared vision for Mars' future. In the bustling community center, Lily and Mark continued their passionate debate about unity, with each of them sharing their unique perspectives. "Unity is essential for our survival," Lily emphasized, her voice ringing with conviction. "But how can we achieve that without everyone's voice being heard and respected?" countered Mark. They both knew that finding common ground would be the key to bridging the divide between Terraformers and Preservationists. As they delved deeper into their conversation, they found themselves exploring creative solutions together. "What if we organize a joint event where both groups can share their ideas and learn from each other?" Lily suggested excitedly. Mark nodded in agreement. "That could be the perfect opportunity for everyone to be heard." Together, they drafted a proposal and submitted it to the community center's organizing committee, which approved the idea enthusiastically. As word spread about the upcoming event, excitement and anticipation grew among Mars' inhabitants. The day of the gathering finally arrived, and both Terraformers and Preservationists gathered in the community center, ready for dialogue and understanding. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of hope as Lily and Mark took to the stage and urged everyone to share their thoughts and ideas openly. And so began a new chapter in Mars' history, one where unity became the guiding principle for all who called the Red Planet home. In the year 2167, Dr. Evelyn Gray and Dr. James Reeves secretly collaborated with influential members from both the Terraformers and Preservationists factions on Mars. Their objective was to foster cooperation in order to resolve the ongoing conflict over the planet's terraforming process. Citizens like Lily and Mark, who participated in a local community center debate about the issue, were inspired by this collaboration. Lily passionately advocated for unity as the key to humanity's survival on Mars, while Mark insisted that unity could only be achieved if everyone's voice was heard and respected. The lively exchange between them sparked enlightening and spirited conversations throughout the night. As they engaged in dialogue, they began to understand each other's perspectives better, brainstorming ways to unite Mars' inhabitants for a common purpose. Their conversation continued deep into the night, filled with laughter and enthusiasm, as they developed a plan to bring the Terraformers and Preservationists together. It was through this dialogue that the seeds of collaboration were sown, eventually leading humanity towards a shared vision for Mars' future. In the local community center, Lily and Mark stood before an eager audience, ready to engage in a debate about unity. The tension in the room was palpable as they represented opposing viewpoints - Terraformers and Preservationists. As they began to speak, it became clear that both were passionate about their respective causes. "Terraforming is essential for our survival on Mars!" exclaimed Lily, her voice full of conviction. "We must alter the environment to make it more Earth-like, providing a sustainable habitat for future generations." Mark, a staunch Preservationist, countered with, "But preserving the natural beauty and resources of Mars is crucial! We should work together to find ways to live in harmony with our surroundings without causing irreversible damage." Their exchange sparked a lively discussion among the audience members. People exchanged ideas and opinions, eventually finding common ground. They realized that cooperation was key to overcoming their differences and securing Mars' future. As the night wore on, the atmosphere shifted from contentiousness to camaraderie. Lily and Mark continued their conversation deep into the night, brainstorming ways to unite Mars' inhabitants for a shared vision of its future. In the bustling community center of Mars' largest city, the air was thick with anticipation as locals gathered for the hotly debated topic - terraforming. The room was split down the middle; one side passionately argued for rapid terraforming, while the other passionately defended preserving Mars' natural state. As the debate grew more heated, two individuals from opposing sides found themselves drawn together in a moment of understanding. Lily, a fiery advocate for Terraformers, and Mark, an equally fervent Preservationist, locked eyes across the room. They both felt the pull of something greater than their beliefs and began to inch closer. The tension between them slowly dissolved as they discovered common ground in their love for Mars and its people. "I don't know if you can understand this," Mark admitted hesitantly, "but I believe we could find a way to coexist." Lily tilted her head, considering his words. "What do you mean?" "Well, what if we focused on the things that unite us? We're all Martians, after all," Mark suggested, his voice filled with hope. "That's not a bad idea," Lily admitted, and their eyes sparked with newfound excitement. "Maybe there are ways to terraform the planet while still preserving its beauty." As they spoke late into the night, laughter echoed through the empty community center. The seeds of unity were sown in the hearts of Mars' inhabitants, and a shared vision began to take root. As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow across the Martian horizon, Lily and Mark stood side by side at the edge of a small lake. The water shimmered with reflections of the fading light. Lily turned to Mark and said, "You know, I never thought we'd be standing here together, doing something like this." Mark smiled and replied, "I never thought I'd be friends with a Preservationist either. But sometimes, you just need to see past your differences and find common ground." Lily nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with determination. "That's what we're trying to do here. Show everyone that we can work together, even if our views don't always align." They stood there for a moment longer, taking in the view and enjoying their friendship. The seeds of collaboration had been sown, and they knew it was only the beginning. Together, they were sure that humanity on Mars would continue to grow and thrive. In the heart of the Martian city, Lily and Mark eagerly exchanged their ideas with Drs. Gray and Reeves. "We must find common ground," Lily insisted, "for the sake of our future." Mark nodded in agreement. "But how can we bridge the gap between Terraformers and Preservationists?" Dr. Gray chimed in, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "How about starting a joint project?" suggested Mark, his voice filled with excitement. The group contemplated his proposal, and soon they all agreed on the idea of building a community garden. This would require both preserving the native Martian flora and adapting it to support human life. Dr. Reeves couldn't contain his enthusiasm, exclaiming, "This is an excellent opportunity for collaboration!" The following day, Lily, Mark, and the doctors gathered at a once-abandoned plot of land. They began clearing away debris and nurturing the native soil. As they worked side by side, they discovered that despite their differing views, they shared a common love for Mars. Their laughter and shared effort brought them closer, bridging the gap between Terraformer and Preservationist. In time, the community garden flourished, attracting more and more Martians who joined hands to shape their future together. The once-divided inhabitants of Mars now stood united, proving that collaboration was indeed possible despite their differences. And so, the seeds sown by Lily, Mark, and their newfound friends blossomed into a shared vision for the Red Planet's future.

[rebeccathenaturalist]

Happy Friday! If you're looking for some new reading material, might I remind you that I have five chapbooks out on assorted natural history topics? Paperbacks are $6 and ebooks are $3 at http://www.rebeccalexa.com/books - thank you!

[infiniteinsightshub]

🌱 Exciting News for All Garden Enthusiasts! 🌿 Dive into the world of blossoms and greenery with our new gardening guidance eBook! 📘 Unlock the secrets to vibrant gardens, sustainable practices, and nurturing your green space. 🌷 Let's cultivate beauty together! #GardeningGuide #GreenThumb #EBookLaunch 🌼

GET FREE EBOOK DOWNLOAD

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Red Lobster was killed by private equity, not Endless Shrimp

For the rest of May, my bestselling solarpunk utopian novel THE LOST CAUSE (2023) is available as a $2.99, DRM-free ebook!

A decade ago, a hedge fund had an improbable viral comedy hit: a 294-page slide deck explaining why Olive Garden was going out of business, blaming the failure on too many breadsticks and insufficiently salted pasta-water:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/940944/000092189514002031/ex991dfan14a06297125_091114.pdf

Everyone loved this story. As David Dayen wrote for Salon, it let readers "mock that silly chain restaurant they remember from their childhoods in the suburbs" and laugh at "the silly hedge fund that took the time to write the world’s worst review":

https://www.salon.com/2014/09/17/the_real_olive_garden_scandal_why_greedy_hedge_funders_suddenly_care_so_much_about_breadsticks/

But – as Dayen wrote at the time, the hedge fund that produced that slide deck, Starboard Value, was not motivated by dissatisfaction with bread-sticks. They were "activist investors" (finspeak for "rapacious assholes") with a giant stake in Darden Restaurants, Olive Garden's parent company. They wanted Darden to liquidate all of Olive Garden's real-estate holdings and declare a one-off dividend that would net investors a billion dollars, while literally yanking the floor out from beneath Olive Garden, converting it from owner to tenant, subject to rent-shocks and other nasty surprises.

They wanted to asset-strip the company, in other words ("asset strip" is what they call it in hedge-fund land; the mafia calls it a "bust-out," famous to anyone who watched the twenty-third episode of The Sopranos):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bust_Out

Starboard didn't have enough money to force the sale, but they had recently engineered the CEO's ouster. The giant slide-deck making fun of Olive Garden's food was just a PR campaign to help it sell the bust-out by creating a narrative that they were being activists* to save this badly managed disaster of a restaurant chain.

*assholes

Starboard was bent on eviscerating Darden like a couple of entrail-maddened dogs in an elk carcass:

https://web.archive.org/web/20051220005944/http://alumni.media.mit.edu/~solan/dogsinelk/

They had forced Darden to sell off another of its holdings, Red Lobster, to a hedge-fund called Golden Gate Capital. Golden Gate flogged all of Red Lobster's real estate holdings for $2.1 billion the same day, then pissed it all away on dividends to its shareholders, including Starboard. The new landlords, a Real Estate Investment Trust, proceeded to charge so much for rent on those buildings Red Lobster just flogged that the company's net earnings immediately dropped by half.

Dayen ends his piece with these prophetic words:

Olive Garden and Red Lobster may not be destinations for hipster Internet journalists, and they have seen revenue declines amid stagnant middle-class wages and increased competition. But they are still profitable businesses. Thousands of Americans work there. Why should they be bled dry by predatory investors in the name of “shareholder value”? What of the value of worker productivity instead of the financial engineers?

Flash forward a decade. Today, Dayen is editor-in-chief of The American Prospect, one of the best sources of news about private equity looting in the world. Writing for the Prospect, Luke Goldstein picks up Dayen's story, ten years on:

https://prospect.org/economy/2024-05-22-raiding-red-lobster/

It's not pretty. Ten years of being bled out on rents and flipped from one hedge fund to another has killed Red Lobster. It just shuttered 50 restaurants and declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Ten years hasn't changed much; the same kind of snark that was deployed at the news of Olive Garden's imminent demise is now being hurled at Red Lobster.

Instead of dunking on free bread-sticks, Red Lobster's grave-dancers are jeering at "Endless Shrimp," a promotional deal that works exactly how it sounds like it would work. Endless Shrimp cost the chain $11m.

Which raises a question: why did Red Lobster make this money-losing offer? Are they just good-hearted slobs? Can't they do math?

Or, you know, was it another hedge-fund, bust-out scam?

Here's a hint. The supplier who provided Red Lobster with all that shrimp is Thai Union. Thai Union also owns Red Lobster. They bought the chain from Golden Gate Capital, last seen in 2014, holding a flash-sale on all of Red Lobster's buildings, pocketing billions, and cutting Red Lobster's earnings in half.

Red Lobster rose to success – 700 restaurants nationwide at its peak – by combining no-frills dining with powerful buying power, which it used to force discounts from seafood suppliers. In response, the seafood industry consolidated through a wave of mergers, turning into a cozy cartel that could resist the buyer power of Red Lobster and other major customers.

This was facilitated by conservation efforts that limited the total volume of biomass that fishers were allowed to extract, and allocated quotas to existing companies and individual fishermen. The costs of complying with this "catch management" system were high, punishingly so for small independents, bearably so for large conglomerates.

Competition from overseas fisheries drove consolidation further, as countries in the global south were blocked from implementing their own conservation efforts. US fisheries merged further, seeking economies of scale that would let them compete, largely by shafting fishermen and other suppliers. Today's Alaskan crab fishery is dominated by a four-company cartel; in the Pacific Northwest, most fish goes through a single intermediary, Pacific Seafood.

These dominant actors entered into illegal collusive arrangements with one another to rig their markets and further immiserate their suppliers, who filed antitrust suits accusing the companies of operating a monopsony (a market with a powerful buyer, akin to a monopoly, which is a market with a powerful seller):

https://www.classaction.org/news/pacific-seafood-under-fire-for-allegedly-fixing-prices-paid-to-dungeness-crabbers-in-pacific-northwest

Golden Gate bought Red Lobster in the midst of these fish wars, promising to right its ship. As Goldstein points out, that's the same promise they made when they bought Payless shoes, just before they destroyed the company and flogged it off to Alden Capital, the hedge fund that bought and destroyed dozens of America's most beloved newspapers:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/10/16/sociopathic-monsters/#all-the-news-thats-fit-to-print

Under Golden Gate's management, Red Lobster saw its staffing levels slashed, so diners endured longer wait times to be seated and served. Then, in 2020, they sold the company to Thai Union, the company's largest supplier (a transaction Goldstein likens to a Walmart buyout of Procter and Gamble).

Thai Union continued to bleed Red Lobster, imposing more cuts and loading it up with more debts financed by yet another private equity giant, Fortress Investment Group. That brings us to today, with Thai Union having moved a gigantic amount of its own product through a failing, debt-loaded subsidiary, even as it lobbies for deregulation of American fisheries, which would let it and its lobbying partners drain American waters of the last of its depleted fish stocks.

Dayen's 2020 must-read book Monopolized describes the way that monopolies proliferate, using the US health care industry as a case-study:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/01/29/fractal-bullshit/#dayenu

After deregulation allowed the pharma sector to consolidate, it acquired pricing power of hospitals, who found themselves gouged to the edge of bankruptcy on drug prices. Hospitals then merged into regional monopolies, which allowed them to resist pharma pricing power – and gouge health insurance companies, who saw the price of routine care explode. So the insurance companies gobbled each other up, too, leaving most of us with two or fewer choices for health insurance – even as insurance prices skyrocketed, and our benefits shrank.

Today, Americans pay more for worse healthcare, which is delivered by health workers who get paid less and work under worse conditions. That's because, lacking a regulator to consolidate patients' interests, and strong unions to consolidate workers' interests, patients and workers are easy pickings for those consolidated links in the health supply-chain.

That's a pretty good model for understanding what's happened to Red Lobster: monopoly power and monopsony power begat more monopolies and monoposonies in the supply chain. Everything that hasn't consolidated is defenseless: diners, restaurant workers, fishermen, and the environment. We're all fucked.

Decent, no-frills family restaurant are good. Great, even. I'm not the world's greatest fan of chain restaurants, but I'm also comfortably middle-class and not struggling to afford to give my family a nice night out at a place with good food, friendly staff and reasonable prices. These places are easy pickings for looters because the people who patronize them have little power in our society – and because those of us with more power are easily tricked into sneering at these places' failures as a kind of comeuppance that's all that's due to tacky joints that serve the working class.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/05/23/spineless/#invertebrates

[alibhai01]

[hermanzhang12138]

[starmothpress]