Gavin, Can you talk about the hand pollination of the lime tree? I have a similar tree and had never thought of the hand pollination. Might explain its poor production. Thank you
You can use a little paint brush or cotton swap and basically once a couple blossoms are open at different stages (and you can see that the pollen particles are able to be brushed loose) you can take that pollen and gently rub it on the middle part of the flower to pollinate each blossoms by hand.
Pollen is located in the anthers (male) which appear as amber colored sacs. The pollen grains need to be transferred to the stigma (female) at just the right time. The stigma is situated in the center surrounded by pollen laden anthers waiting for the transfer of pollen.
After you successfully pollinate the petals will fall away in the next day or two and you will see the baby fruit starting to form.
I'm half embarrassed, as an Arborist, I don't know this. LOL. Any recommendation as to determining the "rite time" to do this? Our sad little tree needs some love. Today I removed a very old Black Walnut covered in lichen and fern (not common for my area). I saved some of the wood for garden features. I'm hoping the Walnut won't impact any other species in the beds since it's no longer living and producing its protective juglone.
Well citrus trees are not from our neck of the woods so nothing to be embarrassed about. I doubt there is anyone on earth that has a comprehensive understanding of the lifecycles and reproductive function of plants and trees from all climate zones and bioregions.
As for determining the "right time" (to begin getting pollen on your paint brush or cotton swap and applying to the stigma of the blossoms) what I did to determine that was experiment by touching the anthers at several different stages of blooming and seeing what (if any) pollen came off and observed its characteristics. I found that once the petals are open to a certain stage the pollen takes on a slightly darker color and falls away more easily. From that I determined that that is the stage that in nature, could have been conducive for bees and other pollinators to move the pollen around, so I started hand pollinating then.
For helping bring back some life to a struggling citrus tree I have found that calcium, magnesium, trace minerals and potassium are very important for citrus trees so I add kelp meal and glacial rock dust to the soil. You can also add a diluted EM1 solution (or a little bit of vermicompost) to get those beneficial microbes in there and help make the nutrients locked up in the kelp, rock dust and other soil components more bioavailable to the plants roots.
Ahh black walnuts, very beautiful in the fall but ya that juglone can be a pain. I am personally very fascinated by lichens and will be exploring their potential as tree symbiotes and productive additions to a food forest design in my next book. If you are interested in learning more about lichen I wrote a post on lichen and moss a while back that you can find here: https://gavinmounsey.substack.com/p/tiny-beings-offering-immense-wisdom
Thank you, Gavin! We've only had one snowstorm (early December of 9") and I was in heaven, wandering in the woods for hours on end.It looked like a fairyland and I must have taken over 300 photos. It's my favorite time of the year. Now, all we've been having is rain and more rain. Always, preceded by big fat ugly chemtrails. I'm so tired of them messing with our weather. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos. Signed: Missing the Snow! ❄️❄️❄️ xo
Whole post was pure magic. Why do I feel like everyone else is living the life I wish I could live! I’m surrounded by these people. Beautiful post ad beautiful life!
Thank you! :) Trust me I have a lot of moments where I am tempted to feel that way too.
On the days when I muster the strength to be my best self, I just take a deep breath, take account of my personal goals (which align with integrity, compassion and courage) and I double down on working towards those goals even when I feel like giving up.
Some days the overwhelming pressure of this human world gone insane (ecological mass devastation, brain washed masses turning on each other and transhumanist delusions becoming mainstream etc) really gets to me and I just collapse and read a book or sort heirloom seeds all day.
We all have challenging days, the important thing is getting back up off the ground, choosing to see what we are grateful for, and choosing our actions and momentum to build on that. If we do that we can gather energy towards that which we do want to be part of our life and build on it.
On the rough days I always think of this old saying which I feel embodies a lot of truth:
"what you fear you empower, and what you love you empower, and what you empower, you attract".
Thanks ! Fractals are the language through which the Creator wills into existence all living things. When we look into and begin to understand their intricate symbiosis within and around us we begin to let go of our egotistical need to control and instead merge with the flow of Creation, lending our will to ever increasing levels of beauty, complexity and diversity emerging on this leading edge of the physical universe.
Been listening to Alan Watts "The way of Zen" audio book, and then listening stuff about climate change. I think we can fix things, and now that I'm a father I have to have hope. I guess my question is how does one find the balance? Especially when I find meaning in nature, how can I find meaning when nature is facing such threats?
I like some of Alan Watt's stuff, some of his stuff is a bit to Pantheistic for me, but I try not to throw the baby out with the bath water as he shared a lot of other things unrelated to God that are true and empowering (IMO).
The one part where I do not agree with him is when he gives the impression that we need psychedelic substances (mind altering plants/fungi or lab made LSD etc) in order to achieve was he is talking about. I see the value of such things in certain circumstances as catalysts for opening the mind but I do not think they are the only way to achieve an open mind/heart.
"I guess my question is how does one find the balance? Especially when I find meaning in nature, how can I find meaning when nature is facing such threats?"
That is a great question my friend. That is something I wrestle with from time to time myself.
One pathway that helps me find peace and confidence is to fully embrace the acknowledgement of the impermanence of all things. That way, I can use my time to truly be present in this moment to appreciate the time I do have to share with other beings here on this Earth and make the best of it.
Despite the disheartening behavior of billions of confused, lost and egocentric human beings, I draw hope and inspiration from observing the irrepressible regenerative capacity of the living Earth.
I strive to further align my own daily actions with her regenerative capacity and hone where I give my energy to fully reflect my acknowledgement of the sacredness of all life.
I choose to have faith that many of those who choose a path that is devoted to and grounded in love, perpetual learning, humility, compassion having the courage to strive to protect those that cannot protect themselves, giving a voice to those that cannot speak for themselves and taking steps to embody that which one would like to see manifest on this world for future generations will be guided through the storm ahead to find a fertile place to plant their seeds for a new way of living to set down roots when the time is right.
And when my awareness of the seemingly endless ways in which humans are wreaking havoc and scheming about how to dominate, enslave and kill each other starts to get to me and my faith wavers I take a step back to look at this life from the the more holistic perspective of my soul.
From the perspective of my spirit I remember that there is beauty and meaning to be found in impermanence. From that knowing, whether or not my efforts in this life send out clearly observable multi-generational ripple effects or not becomes irrelevant. After all, within a broader cosmic cycle, the inevitable natural result for this world will be end of all life on Earth. Planets only live as long as their stars burn, and eventually our sun’s life will come to an end as well, at which point all that ever was created by humans on this Earth will eventually be turned back into the stardust from once it came.
Does that inevitability make living a life where one chooses to be creative, kind, courageous, hopeful and curious any less meaningful?
In the end, whether its 1 more day, a couple years or a 100, it always comes down to the question:
How do I want to spend the time I have left on this Earth?
Does protecting/tending to the trees or planting a seed in the Earth and tending it to grow, providing poetry for the senses, food for pollinators and nourishment for the soul have any less value because of the impermanence of those trees or that individual plant only living for a set period of time?
Do the fleeting expressions of form and color in a sunrise or a sunset make it any less beautiful or worth being present and aware to cherish and appreciate?
Asking myself these questions allows me to regenerate the faith, hope and sense of purpose in my heart and mind despite the corrosive onslaught of a world full of humans that have lost their way.
I explore this perspective further in something I published (in the Regenerative Poems, Short Stories and Recipes for the Soul chapter of my recently published book Recipes For Reciprocity: The Regenerative Way From Seed To Table) called "The Story of the Animati Astra Terram" which you can read here:
Hoooot dang you hit it out of the park! I really needed that, and don't hear it often enough! If one lives in the present moment everything is holy and worth while despite it impermanence. It just very difficult sometimes, but I just need to be reminded. Very eloquent writing! I am going to read your "The Story of the Animati Astra Terram" next.
You are welcome :) I am glad you enjoyed the pics and recipe ideas.
Ahh you are on the other side of this beautiful world on the outskirts of the Milkyway Galaxy.
I find it fascinating to think about how when I am appreciating a sunset here in Canada, someone else is enjoying a sunrise elsewhere. The sunrise and birdsong associated with it travelling across the face of the Earth, perpetually, like a sonic bathing tidal wave :)
thanks much, nature knows...ps I am somewhat distantly related to Charles Sauriol who has some part in the history of some Canadian parks. I only found this out in the last few years. best from Oregon
You are most welcome! and that is interesting about your distant relative :) I wonder if my grandpa Don ever worked with him as he lived out east for a while and was directly involved with helping do forestry zoning that enabled parks and trails to be set up to protect the old growth trees. I talked a bit about my grandpa Don's work in this comment https://elizabethnickson.substack.com/p/the-epic-bullshit-of-catastrophic/comment/45594831 if you wanna know more.
Gavin, Can you talk about the hand pollination of the lime tree? I have a similar tree and had never thought of the hand pollination. Might explain its poor production. Thank you
Hey Steve,
You can use a little paint brush or cotton swap and basically once a couple blossoms are open at different stages (and you can see that the pollen particles are able to be brushed loose) you can take that pollen and gently rub it on the middle part of the flower to pollinate each blossoms by hand.
Pollen is located in the anthers (male) which appear as amber colored sacs. The pollen grains need to be transferred to the stigma (female) at just the right time. The stigma is situated in the center surrounded by pollen laden anthers waiting for the transfer of pollen.
After you successfully pollinate the petals will fall away in the next day or two and you will see the baby fruit starting to form.
Hope this helps :)
I'm half embarrassed, as an Arborist, I don't know this. LOL. Any recommendation as to determining the "rite time" to do this? Our sad little tree needs some love. Today I removed a very old Black Walnut covered in lichen and fern (not common for my area). I saved some of the wood for garden features. I'm hoping the Walnut won't impact any other species in the beds since it's no longer living and producing its protective juglone.
Well citrus trees are not from our neck of the woods so nothing to be embarrassed about. I doubt there is anyone on earth that has a comprehensive understanding of the lifecycles and reproductive function of plants and trees from all climate zones and bioregions.
As for determining the "right time" (to begin getting pollen on your paint brush or cotton swap and applying to the stigma of the blossoms) what I did to determine that was experiment by touching the anthers at several different stages of blooming and seeing what (if any) pollen came off and observed its characteristics. I found that once the petals are open to a certain stage the pollen takes on a slightly darker color and falls away more easily. From that I determined that that is the stage that in nature, could have been conducive for bees and other pollinators to move the pollen around, so I started hand pollinating then.
For helping bring back some life to a struggling citrus tree I have found that calcium, magnesium, trace minerals and potassium are very important for citrus trees so I add kelp meal and glacial rock dust to the soil. You can also add a diluted EM1 solution (or a little bit of vermicompost) to get those beneficial microbes in there and help make the nutrients locked up in the kelp, rock dust and other soil components more bioavailable to the plants roots.
Ahh black walnuts, very beautiful in the fall but ya that juglone can be a pain. I am personally very fascinated by lichens and will be exploring their potential as tree symbiotes and productive additions to a food forest design in my next book. If you are interested in learning more about lichen I wrote a post on lichen and moss a while back that you can find here: https://gavinmounsey.substack.com/p/tiny-beings-offering-immense-wisdom
Also, for an interesting and unusually positive perspective on the ecological role and purpose of compounds like juglone and trees like black walnut : https://thetyee.ca/News/2020/02/26/Mother-Trees-Beresford-Kroeger/
Hope this helps my friend, wishing you a very joyful and relaxing new years celebration :)
Fantastic explanation and appreciate the links. I'll check them out. Best wished to you as well. Thanks
So gorgeous, thank you for sharing! I love how you ‘did the math’ with the cabbage! 😋
Thanks for the comment. I am glad someone noticed my cabbage math :)
I even showed it to Hubby, he liked it too! 😁
I am so glad you both like my sauerkraut trigonometry :)
Did you see my old post about kale seeds where I did kale seed saving/sharing compound interest algebra ? :)
Thank you, Gavin! We've only had one snowstorm (early December of 9") and I was in heaven, wandering in the woods for hours on end.It looked like a fairyland and I must have taken over 300 photos. It's my favorite time of the year. Now, all we've been having is rain and more rain. Always, preceded by big fat ugly chemtrails. I'm so tired of them messing with our weather. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos. Signed: Missing the Snow! ❄️❄️❄️ xo
Hi from UK. This post is just wonderful - thank you so much!!!
Whole post was pure magic. Why do I feel like everyone else is living the life I wish I could live! I’m surrounded by these people. Beautiful post ad beautiful life!
Thank you! :) Trust me I have a lot of moments where I am tempted to feel that way too.
On the days when I muster the strength to be my best self, I just take a deep breath, take account of my personal goals (which align with integrity, compassion and courage) and I double down on working towards those goals even when I feel like giving up.
Some days the overwhelming pressure of this human world gone insane (ecological mass devastation, brain washed masses turning on each other and transhumanist delusions becoming mainstream etc) really gets to me and I just collapse and read a book or sort heirloom seeds all day.
We all have challenging days, the important thing is getting back up off the ground, choosing to see what we are grateful for, and choosing our actions and momentum to build on that. If we do that we can gather energy towards that which we do want to be part of our life and build on it.
On the rough days I always think of this old saying which I feel embodies a lot of truth:
"what you fear you empower, and what you love you empower, and what you empower, you attract".
Thanks for the comment.
Thank you for those words Gavin.❤️
Excellent photography! I love thinking about fractals as well.
Thanks ! Fractals are the language through which the Creator wills into existence all living things. When we look into and begin to understand their intricate symbiosis within and around us we begin to let go of our egotistical need to control and instead merge with the flow of Creation, lending our will to ever increasing levels of beauty, complexity and diversity emerging on this leading edge of the physical universe.
Been listening to Alan Watts "The way of Zen" audio book, and then listening stuff about climate change. I think we can fix things, and now that I'm a father I have to have hope. I guess my question is how does one find the balance? Especially when I find meaning in nature, how can I find meaning when nature is facing such threats?
I like some of Alan Watt's stuff, some of his stuff is a bit to Pantheistic for me, but I try not to throw the baby out with the bath water as he shared a lot of other things unrelated to God that are true and empowering (IMO).
What are your thoughts on Terence Mckenna?
Here is a video someone made with a talk of his called "A Spark To Ignite A New World" which I feel contains a lot of truth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysvWrqLpTM8
The one part where I do not agree with him is when he gives the impression that we need psychedelic substances (mind altering plants/fungi or lab made LSD etc) in order to achieve was he is talking about. I see the value of such things in certain circumstances as catalysts for opening the mind but I do not think they are the only way to achieve an open mind/heart.
"I guess my question is how does one find the balance? Especially when I find meaning in nature, how can I find meaning when nature is facing such threats?"
That is a great question my friend. That is something I wrestle with from time to time myself.
One pathway that helps me find peace and confidence is to fully embrace the acknowledgement of the impermanence of all things. That way, I can use my time to truly be present in this moment to appreciate the time I do have to share with other beings here on this Earth and make the best of it.
Despite the disheartening behavior of billions of confused, lost and egocentric human beings, I draw hope and inspiration from observing the irrepressible regenerative capacity of the living Earth.
I strive to further align my own daily actions with her regenerative capacity and hone where I give my energy to fully reflect my acknowledgement of the sacredness of all life.
I choose to have faith that many of those who choose a path that is devoted to and grounded in love, perpetual learning, humility, compassion having the courage to strive to protect those that cannot protect themselves, giving a voice to those that cannot speak for themselves and taking steps to embody that which one would like to see manifest on this world for future generations will be guided through the storm ahead to find a fertile place to plant their seeds for a new way of living to set down roots when the time is right.
And when my awareness of the seemingly endless ways in which humans are wreaking havoc and scheming about how to dominate, enslave and kill each other starts to get to me and my faith wavers I take a step back to look at this life from the the more holistic perspective of my soul.
From the perspective of my spirit I remember that there is beauty and meaning to be found in impermanence. From that knowing, whether or not my efforts in this life send out clearly observable multi-generational ripple effects or not becomes irrelevant. After all, within a broader cosmic cycle, the inevitable natural result for this world will be end of all life on Earth. Planets only live as long as their stars burn, and eventually our sun’s life will come to an end as well, at which point all that ever was created by humans on this Earth will eventually be turned back into the stardust from once it came.
Does that inevitability make living a life where one chooses to be creative, kind, courageous, hopeful and curious any less meaningful?
In the end, whether its 1 more day, a couple years or a 100, it always comes down to the question:
How do I want to spend the time I have left on this Earth?
Does protecting/tending to the trees or planting a seed in the Earth and tending it to grow, providing poetry for the senses, food for pollinators and nourishment for the soul have any less value because of the impermanence of those trees or that individual plant only living for a set period of time?
Does the impermanence of this man’s art make it any less beautiful or worthwhile in creating? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEpz8Z2BMAc
Do the fleeting expressions of form and color in a sunrise or a sunset make it any less beautiful or worth being present and aware to cherish and appreciate?
Asking myself these questions allows me to regenerate the faith, hope and sense of purpose in my heart and mind despite the corrosive onslaught of a world full of humans that have lost their way.
I explore this perspective further in something I published (in the Regenerative Poems, Short Stories and Recipes for the Soul chapter of my recently published book Recipes For Reciprocity: The Regenerative Way From Seed To Table) called "The Story of the Animati Astra Terram" which you can read here:
https://gavinmounsey.substack.com/p/the-story-of-the-animati-astra-terram
Hope this helps brother, and thank you for caring about our Mother Earth.
Hoooot dang you hit it out of the park! I really needed that, and don't hear it often enough! If one lives in the present moment everything is holy and worth while despite it impermanence. It just very difficult sometimes, but I just need to be reminded. Very eloquent writing! I am going to read your "The Story of the Animati Astra Terram" next.
Thank you!
P.S I love Terence McKenna as well.
We are kindred spirits.
Thank you for sharing your natural and wonderland of inspirational joy.
And for your delicious kitchen treats (ideas).
Summer here but also with glorious nature surrounding me.
You are welcome :) I am glad you enjoyed the pics and recipe ideas.
Ahh you are on the other side of this beautiful world on the outskirts of the Milkyway Galaxy.
I find it fascinating to think about how when I am appreciating a sunset here in Canada, someone else is enjoying a sunrise elsewhere. The sunrise and birdsong associated with it travelling across the face of the Earth, perpetually, like a sonic bathing tidal wave :)
I explored more on that in this excerpt from my book: https://gavinmounsey.substack.com/p/symphony-of-the-sunrise
thanks much, nature knows...ps I am somewhat distantly related to Charles Sauriol who has some part in the history of some Canadian parks. I only found this out in the last few years. best from Oregon
You are most welcome! and that is interesting about your distant relative :) I wonder if my grandpa Don ever worked with him as he lived out east for a while and was directly involved with helping do forestry zoning that enabled parks and trails to be set up to protect the old growth trees. I talked a bit about my grandpa Don's work in this comment https://elizabethnickson.substack.com/p/the-epic-bullshit-of-catastrophic/comment/45594831 if you wanna know more.