Comments on: Wild Water, Food and Flowers

By: John Keatts

John Keatts — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 01:15:13 +0000

I have been doing research on wild edibles for a few years now and I always hope to learn even more then I already know when I find pages in the Book of Life such as these pages of yours.
Thank you Very Much Cheryl
At the age of 65 I realize that we can still learn as long as we hold the desire.
Again, I say thank you.

By: Kiva Rose

Kiva Rose — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:54:49 +0000

Hi Cheryl, glad you’re enjoying the site. The summer weather here varies a lot depending on what elevation you’re at. We have hot, dry summer days here but fairly cool evenings and nights. In the cities and lower elevations it is quite a bit hotter, although the desert nights still cool off quite a bit. We do usually have some humid days in late june, early july just before monsoon season starts but in general it is much less suffocating than the SE that way. It is obviously much more arid here, and so if you are accustomed to lush plant life it can be a bit of a shock here at first, especially if you living/spending time in the piñon/juniper areas not near water.

Many people form their primary impression of NM from Albuquerque, which is a mistake, there’s a huge amount of diversity of habitat here, everything from green, wet mountains to riparian canyons (like this one) to grasslands to chihuahuan desert to many miles of rocky scrubland. Just depends on where you are.

The Gila bioregion (where I am) down here in southwest new mexico is particularly floristically rich with an intersection of rocky mountain, sierra madre, chihuahuan desert and sky island type plants. Everything from gorgeous orchids in the mountains to the infamous chaparral in the deserts. I love it here, but it is quite the leap from the Appalachians.

~Kiva

By: Cheryl Dukas

Cheryl Dukas — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 23:50:56 +0000

I was just doing casual search for weather in New Mexico, particularly the SW region and came across your blog – I am a family nurse practitioner, currently working in the southern Appalachian mountains of North Georgia but have 2 job offers pending in NM, well actually one is in southwest NM (no details yet) and the other is actually IHS clinic on Navajo Reservation with living quarters provided in Gallup. I have never been to the southwest, only fly-overs coast to coast. This would be a big move in many ways and was just curious about the geography, climate, flora, etc. Your blog actually has provided nice information. Any comments, suggestions appreciated regarding a transition from Appalachian mountains to your area. Do not particularly like the smothering humid heat of summers in south – wondering about summers in SW? I thrive in rural areas, am trying to stay away from jobs in the city – been there, done that. Cheers, Cheryl

By: Marqueta

Marqueta — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:03:56 +0000

Dear Kiva,

Such beautiful photos, as always! I always come away feeling refreshed.

Love,

Marqueta

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:37:52 +0000

Spring is burgeoning here as well in the PNW. After 62 years of NYS weather it was odd to see crocuses in February and and dandelions in march as well as azaleas. A rhododendron was actually in full bloom during January.

We have a lot of rain and wild along with domesticated waterfowl have taken to paddling around in my front yard. I began to give them corn in December when their pond froze over and I wondered how they would find food.

I’m sure they will keep the insects and slugs at bay in the yard. Much better than using poison.

The change of seasons is a spiritual event for me.

By: venezia

venezia — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 18:45:33 +0000

What a wonderful american spring! In Europe, specially in Paris, the nature is just awakening

By: Heather

Heather — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 00:18:57 +0000

I’ve been venturing out as well and notice we’ve gotten some extra water here as well. It’s really turning into a lovely spring. Thanks for the monograph. I read them over and over, savoring each word. They are as beautiful as the subject. I can’t wait for you to announce the new classes. I’m signing up!

By: Jane Valencia

Jane Valencia — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:53:43 +0000

Beautiful – thank you for inviting us on this walk and viewing these lovely flowers and plants!

By: Kiva Rose

Kiva Rose — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 19:31:16 +0000

Hi Kyce,

I’d be happy to participate, thanks for letting me know. I’ll write a post specifically for it and send you the link when it’s done.
~Kiva

By: Old Recipe for a New World

Old Recipe for a New World — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 19:16:07 +0000

Hi Kiva,
Glad to see these signs of spring in Gila country. I’m hosting a little blog party in April about what our gardens, wild and domestic, teach us. Would love to hear your thoughts–could be as simple as linking to this lovely little post, if that’s okay with you. Here’s the whole story: http://oldrecipe.wordpress.com/2010/03/24/speak-those-good-green-words/.
Be well,
Kyce