Perhaps I’ve been noticing that my monthly bills have increased by approximately $3,500 pesos, or $200 USD, every month. My spending behavior has not changed. I try to live as frugally and gently as possible. What has changed is the increase in prices for basic food, energy, meds., etc. even in my small pueblo of
Verdant View – October 2026 Read More »
The Grace of September A September garden is a reminder that every season has its own beauty. It speaks of maturation, rewarding months of care and patience. As the pace of growth slows, it also invites us to embrace life’s quieter moments with grace and to appreciate the balance between vibrant flourishing and necessary periods
Verdant View – September 2026 Read More »
Questions to Ponder The first question I ask a new garden client is “What do you want your garden to look like?” This question is followed by “What is the purpose of your garden?” Usually, the answers to these two questions guide the development of, or changes to, a new or existing garden. This month
Verdant View – August 2026 Read More »
Actionable advice for a positive environmental effect. Observant Gardening Now that the rains have started and our garden watering chores are lessening, perhaps we can all relax a bit by spending more time watching, listening to and enjoying our gardens. Let’s start at the ground level with the soil. Soil has been around for hundreds
Verdant View – July 2026 Read More »
The Summer Solstice Reminder: Our next Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere will be on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The Summer Solstice marks the official start of astronomical summer and the longest day of the year. From this point on, the days start getting shorter. Why not celebrate the Summer Solstice in your gardens? Plant
Verdant View – June 2026 Read More »
Small Steps, Big Impact: Actionable advice for a positive environmental effect. My carbon-lean lifestyle fits me well and makes me feel good. Several studies have shown that most actions that lower our environmental impact make us more happy, not less. Having the feeling that we’re contributing to something bigger and more important than ourselves can
Verdant View – May 2026 Read More »
Resurrection When I think of the word resurrection, I think of the revitalization or revival of something, and the word spring comes to mind. Spring is a perfect metaphor for resurrection. The natural world abounds with life. Flowers reappear, trees dress themselves in new foliage, and butterflies are pollinating. The sun is making an earlier
Verdant View – April 2026 Read More »
The first day of spring 2026 (Spring Equinox) is on Friday March 20, 2026, at 10:46 a.m. EDT. Traditionally the concepts of balance and new beginnings are thought of at this time of year. We are moving into the warmth of the light and nature wakes up after winter, allowing equal amounts of day and
Verdant View – March 2026 Read More »
A Love Affair With Nature As the new year begins, we suddenly find ourselves in February, traditionally a time to express love, appreciation and to celebrate connections that bring us joy. This year powerful expressions were shared with me, and I would like to share some with you. “We’re in a very dark tunnel right
Verdant View – February 2026 Read More »
Observing Change When I was young, some 40 years ago, I had a great “ride.” Lucha La Carrucha was a candy apple red, 1964 Dodge Dart convertible with light interior. I bought her on a whim, having spent the previous five years of my life riding a bicycle through Los Angeles, CA. Lucha and I
Verdant View – January 2026 Read More »
