Earth Day Contemplation in Bloom
Touring the Garden with the Cat in Residence
Here we are on the second half of Earth Month, everyone! As I promised on the April 6th issue, this article is free for everyone. April is my birthday month, and this is my gift to you.
As the frenzy of Earth Day events keeps unfolding throughout the remainder of April, I take diligent breaks to tend the garden to prevent burnout. And everytime I do that, I keep thinking about our reliance on fossil fuel fabrics.
How could I not? The potting soils come in plastic bags, not to mention the black planters made out of polypropylene that cannot be recycled. At least I will keep using them over and over again, and share any extra pots with many local gardeners.
I believe the future of fashion is in textile innovation. In the ideal state of future textile production, things should be made out of natural fibers that can be put back into the soil, supporting the circularity of resources and products. My participation in the Fibershed Design Challenge explores this narrative, and I’m really grateful to have that experience.
Developing, growing natural fibers and wearing them is gradually becoming a more radical act, though. According to Textile Exchange, ~68.2% of global fiber productions in 2020 are synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon, etc.) An additional 15% are recycled synthetics. That means 85% of our global textile production is made out of fossil fuel. When you realize how much plastics are in our clothes, you will get a better sense about this daunting challenge.
Whether humanity is able free ourselves from fossil fuel fabrics, time will tell. There are more substantial discussions and industry progress for progressive innovations, although the relatively slow-moving pace leaves many impatient and restless.
Still, I dream for a future where it’s mainstream practice to have a fully compostable wardrobe. Having garments that make you feel good and keep you safe, and provide soil nourishments when you are done with them… that’s what I dream of.
With spring currently in full swing here in Northern California, looking at plants growing and pollinators buzzing in the garden keep that dream alive. The urge to see a well-functioning regenerative, circular textile system only grows stronger when I see a beautiful ecosystem growing and thriving around the house.
Speaking of my garden, I would like to have Maine, our Cat in Residence, to show you around what’s growing or blooming around the yard this month. For a few years now, I have been slowly planting California native species to support the local biodiversity, so the garden is evolving. Many of them are also gifts from neighbors or plant rescues from around the neighborhood.
Maine, take it away, love!
*Maine is spotted resting at one of her favorite spots. Her ears perked up as she’s called*
Oh, hello there...I'm Maine, the resident outdoor cat who helps keep watch over this garden area. An excellent day for a garden tour, is it not? I know all the nooks and crannies of this place like the back of my paw. Let me show you around my little paradise.
*She stretches languidly before rising to her feet*
In the picture above, a cluster of Dara's Choice sage is behind me. A most fragrant specimen - perfect for a cat's rolled about from time to time.
*Maine leads you down a pebbled path*
Just there, see the hummingbird sage? Mira got a bunch of seedlings from her neighbor and she planted them all over the garden. I love to watch those iridescent little aviators flit to and fro. They don't seem to mind me much as long as I stay still.
Up ahead, the foxtail agave and its companions - purple sage, nasturtium, blue chalk succulents flank the sidewalk. I tend to give those a wide berth. No sense in risking my impeccably groomed coat on their bayonet leaves!
The California poppies in that sunny patch, though? Their cheery orange blooms beckon for an afternoon of lazy sunbathing.
*She pauses to sniff the air, catching a whiff of the wooly manzanita nearby*
Ah yes, and there's the wooly manzanita, showing its new growth this year. Mira said it can grow really big. If you ask me, I’m not convinced. Three years in, it’s barely growing past my ear tips.
Nearby, Mira just planted some Carmel sur manzanita seedlings. She said it’s a “ground cover” type, whatever that means.
Over this way, the Japanese knotweed provides excellent carpeted pathways for me to slink unseen towards any quarry. Not that I let myself get sidetracked when touring with guests, of course!
*She stares down at the knotweed carpet for a few seconds, before suddenly looking straight ahead*
Beyond the knotweed is the white sage cluster - one of Mira's most impressive plantings. I do so enjoy bathing in its distinctive earthy fragrance.
The grayish green leaf color is striking, isn’t it? I heard Mira mentioned that white sage is sacred amongst North American indigenous tribes, and we need to safeguard them!
Just over the rise, the blue bush lupine stands tall and proud, though mind you don't brush against it. They tend to attract aphids and ladybugs. Sometimes I see those black worms full of needles climbing the branches! Best appreciated at a distance, if you ask me.
*Maine suddenly freezes, ears perking up before relaxing*
No need to fret, just a pesky vole scampering about. It won't bother us with the California buckwheat bushes nearby. That dense shrub makes for wonderful games of cat-and-mouse... Mira is confused whenever I disappear amongst the bushes.
*She pads along, tail held high*
The Dark Star mountain lilac is the most stunning in February, when their little blue flowers bloom. It’s now April, and there’s still some hanging around. Its deep purplish blue blooms make for a lush setting amidst the pungent overgrown nasturtiums and tree houseleeks around that young apricot tree nearby.
Mira's collection of potted succulents on the patio table makes for fun eye bleach on slow afternoons. You may be surprised to know that I leave all these alone. I’d rather scratch the trunk of a Japanese maple tree nearby.
You see the red dots on top of the Japanese maple leaves? They fall to the ground and tend to generate seedlings. But they die very easily. A couple of years ago, Mira tried growing 29 seedlings. Only one survives to this day.
*She meanders along the concrete walkway*
Mind the sweet alyssum ground cover - I know from experience its soft blooms are just tempting enough to roll in!
Up ahead, the African daisies are bright harbingers of the warmer seasons to come. And just beyond, the French lavender with its smoky purple blooms...one of my hands-down favorite napping spots when its fragrance is at its peak.
*Maine stretches out lazily on the antique bench under the cherry tree*
This is one of my preferred lounging spots from which to keep an eye on things. That sticky monkeyflower, while a bit garish for my tastes, does excellent service in attracting bees and hummingbirds for me to idly watch.
The Jerusalem sage is nearby, isn't it? With its bright yellow blooms and radiant fragrance. I do so enjoy meandering through and brushing my cheeks against its velvety blossoms.
Just behind them, the sweet-scented geraniums...need I say more about why I'm drawn to those deliciously perfumed leaves? One day last year, they just appeared here. Mira said they are gifts from a neighbor moving out of state.
And look! The first rose bloomed in the garden this year. I do love napping under the small bush. Those thorns don’t faze me, not even for one bit!
We’re almost done with this tour! Perfect, because I need to take a nap. This stunning pink camellia is a sight to behold, is it not? Mira likes to harvest their petals for dyeing her fabrics. It’s too much work, if you ask me!
The flowering currant is a new addition this season. Their petals are a favorite buffet for the hummingbirds that I so enjoy monitoring.
And finally, the pineapple sage - one of my happy indulgences on warm and lazy days when I simply must have a taste of its bright, fruity essence.
*She gives a long, luxurious full-body stretch*
Well, I do believe that concludes our meandering garden tour for today. Scroll up and re-read the whole thing again if you’d like! Now it’s time to take a na… wait, I heard something. Time to check it out.
*Maine stalks off, melting into the foliage, tail twitching*
You’re still here! Wow, I couldn’t believe she actually completed the garden tour with you. Thank you, sweet Maine, wherever you are now!
Here’s one more picture as your last eyebleach: clusters of blooming wisteria at a park nearby. They are visually stunning, but they constantly trigger my spring allergies. Nevertheless, their showy arrival is wholeheartedly welcome, year after year.
That’s all for now, I hope you enjoy this issue. Enjoy the rest of April!
Thanks for reading; until next time,
Mira Musank
Mira, these photographs from your garden are transporting! I feel as though I'm walking along with you at a gentle pace, you pointing out your plant friends and telling me some anecdote or tidbit about each one. ✨🌿 Also, this is resonating with me today: "I take diligent breaks to tend the garden to prevent burnout."