Aperire The etymology behind the word April comes from the Latin word Aprilis, which is derived from aperire. The Romans named the month Aprilis because it “opened” the buds of flowers and leaves. April is the fourth month of the year and is significant for marking the start of spring, renewal, and growth. As a child […]
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Balance, Harmony, Renewal This year the Spring Equinox (or Vernal Equinox) falls on Thursday, March 20, 2025, and arrives at 3:01 a.m. CST. Traditionally the concepts of renewal, balance, 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
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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 them with you. From my niece Vicki in Sacramento, CA: When
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Hope Springs Eternal Normally I am excited at the prospect of a new year: new calendars, new plans, a new verdant view. For gardeners, we also have a rebirth of our gardens to look forward to. This year seems different. My friends are complaining that they are having to learn new things daily. Their resources
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Event Review by Francisco (Fco.) Nava The Fourth Paella Festival of Lake Chapala promised to be a very special and unique event…and it was! On Saturday October 19th, 2024, at 12 noon at the Centro de la Cultural y Arte de la Ribera de Chapala (CCAR) in La Floresta 200 guests, 7 paella teams, a
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Gratitude My mother Rebecca and I made a pact to follow each other’s instructions upon our passing from this world. The conversation took place in Glendale, CA at one of her favorite Mexican restaurants. My brother George and I had taken her out to dine for one of our ritualistic Monday night dinners. She sat
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Mariposario Our Growers Group decided to take a field trip to the Mariposario (butterfly nursery/garden) in Jocotepec this past month. The Mariposario is a large, black-netted, walk-through structure that allows the visitor to commune with butterflies that make their way passively into the structure enticed by drying fruit. The Mariposario is an independently funded project
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Who Owns Nature? I’ve recently started taking long walks, partly to help my body maintain its health but mostly to maintain my mental equilibrium. I find that if not watched, my days can be spent sitting in front of the computer or my mind will obsess on what I need to do, how to resolve
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Success In The Garden I often ask myself, “What does a successful garden look like?” I also ask, “What is a successful garden and what can I do to have one?” The answers are as varied as the number of gardeners on this stunning planet. For some it might be a rewilding of their spaces
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Water, Water Everywhere? I recently was invited to hear Dr. Eduardo Juarez Carrillo, Director of the Institute for Limnologia y Sustentabilidad, of the University of Guadalajara, speak at a gathering hosted by the Friends of Centro Pro-Mexico in San Juan Cosala. The title of the presentation was “Water Crisis of Lake Chapala.” Dr. Juarez Carillo
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