I’m fascinated with ancient cultures…and the messages they left us.  One of the cultures that wandered the land in these parts were called the Virgin River Anasazi..or Ancestral Puebloans.  They actually thrived living in this climate zone..and their history dates back through different periods, ranging from around 1100 AD… to before 6500 BC..!!  This seems to be debatable, as with all ancient cultures, but either way… all seem to agree they are at least as old as..1200 BC.  People appear to have been inhabiting these parts for eons of time!!

The Anazsazi left many petroglyphs on the rocks and cliffs in SW Utah.

Here’s a video from a trail run we took recently to the Santa Clara River Reserve.  Wanted to look upon and feel these glyphs in person..and WOW..they are impressive!  Very nourishing for body, mind and spirit!!

The more I learn about the local plants and perennial springs…I can see how the native peoples must have loved it here.  The winters are fairly mild and short..and the growing season is fairly long..lasting from April – December.  Not to mention the once wandering herds of game…which can still be found in these parts.

Between the waters, canyons, mild temps and the food sources..this place was perfect for year round living.  OUTSIDE.

The Anasazi used the 3 Sisters Guild, which is Corn..grown with Squash as an under-story plant… and Beans to climb up the corn..sort of a natural vertical grow system…all the plants benefiting from each other.  Still a very effective method…today!!

They left messages on the boulders and cliffs all around SW Utah.  These petroglyphs have many theories surrounding them.

One book I’m enjoying immensely.. that delves into these ideas.. is by local writer Ray Urbaniak.  He connects these glyphs, to the solstices and equinoxes.. and even shows how light and shadows affect these petroglyphs at different times of the year..and over longer periods of time.  Really fascinating ideas!!!  Thanks Ray..love it!!

Here’s a link to a preview of the book

“Anasazi of SW Utah: The Dance of Light and Shadow”
by: Ray Urbaniak

Preview of book

I also want to send gratitude and love to the native people that.. still live.. near the far end of Santa Clara Canyon..the Shivwits band of the Paiute tribe.  Whom appear to have come on the scene right when about when the Anasazi left..around 1100A.D.  They also grew corn, squash and beans…

Sacred land…with a very interesting history!!

Hope everyone is having fun in their gardens this summer..!

One of my biggest inspirations…Anthony Anderson…is creating three…young food forests.  One… in Arizona…. and another project in Minnesota.  Both food forests are coming a long nicely.  If you tune into Anthony’s website and videos…you’ll learn more than you could in a few years at most brick and mortar.. places of learning.  There’s more informational content on that website..and in his videos than most libraries.

I absolutely love the guy..and am so grateful for everything he shares!!

Just in case…here’s the link to Anthony’s site…  Raw Model

You… just might find yourself creating your own food forest…from the stuff you learn….that’s what happened to me!!!

His third project…is here in Hurricane, Utah.  His ideas and contributions are all over the garden here.  We’re working closely on methods…sharing seeds…supplies and creating/being an awareness of sustainable living.  Thanks for all the support brother…we wouldn’t be doing this without you!!!

Here’s the food forest in Arizona, that he Alexandra and Andrea from Blackbird Naturals … are creating together…as well as a very very tasty chocolate truffle business….mmmmmm…I can still taste them!!  Thanks… Blackbird Naturals…love em!!  Huge gratitude.. for the inspiration from Arizona you “three”…and for sharing these “spaces of love” with us!!

I love watching them …GROW!

You can check out the growing web…of Blackbird Natural’s…Food Forests…right here.

Cheers to…FREEDOM!!!

So much food, in such a little space!!!

I love the burgeoning backyard food forests that are popping up world wide!!

Being a worm farmer and caretaker of the soil…is so gratifying!!

FOOD FOR THE SOUL!!

So beautiful and inspiring..Mike and Julia.

THANK YOU

This garden really inspires me…and offers a TON of information…to digest!!

Emilia Hazelip developed her own permaculture gardening “style”  based on the work of Masanobu Fukuoka, and called it: synergistic gardening… it’s very… beautiful!!

I LOVE..watching these videos…for a GOOD TIME!!

One thing…I’ve applied from these videos, that’s really helped in plant/soil health…has been the use of straw mulch…or any good mulch…then, chopping and…. leaving in place, “green” plant material… to decompose.  MULCH, MULCH, MULCH!  It’s actually kind of fun…to help the cycle a long!!!

On my way to get more straw today…and scoop some fresh spring water… while I’m at it!  Herb hunting season is here too…have a few in mind… I’m stalking this year!!!

Have FUN…creating your own garden/food forest!

Here’s a few video updates from the backyard..FOOD FOREST.

Much has changed.. even in the last two weeks…since these were filmed.  The BIG..project this week..is building new supports for hardy kiwis…which will be vining up the east and west sides of the house….providing food…and hopefully shading the house a bit…helping with the A.C. bill, this summer!!!

Maybe we won’t even need the A.C…if we can get the house covered in VINES!!!!

Ok…so had to throw this video in here…because these RED WIGGLERS and their other worm buddies, bacteria, and micro-organisms….are the TRUE KEEPERS…of this garden!!  BIG PROPS..to them..and my gratitude!!!

“TEND TO YOUR MICRO-HERDS”….this is a wonderful saying…I picked up while reading “Gaia’s Garden.”   An extremely insightful chapter titled: CHAPTER 4 – BRINGING THE SOIL TO LIFE!

Makes sense to me..and feels right!!

THANKS…TOBY HEMENWAY…for writing this work of art!!

This video REALLY inspires me…such a small space…to be growing SO MUCH food!!

If you haven’t read Gaia’s Garden yet…and you’re interested in creating a FOOD FOREST…this book is absolutely amazing!

“Gaia’s Garden” by Toby Hemenway

Cheers…to FOOD FORESTS!  May they blanket the Earth!!