Avid Plant Lover Shares Her Resources with the Home Gardener

Here’s a great resource guide from my friend Evelyn Vincent!…~Richard

Many already know Ive been interested in plants since the age of 4. I began using herbal remedies when I was about 16, started using essential oils 20 years ago.My previous business was in landscaping, I was probably the only landscaper in the US who didnt own a lawn mower or snow plow. I primarily focused on creating garden rooms (suitable for people as well as certification for Backyard Wildlife Habitats http://www.nwf.org/backyard through the National Wildlife Federation). Another aspect I brought to my business was knowledge of native plants, a passion of mine, and training as a classical Feng Shui practitioner.

Below is a list of resources that helped me to make better choices, and much progress over the years while I learned. I hope you will find them useful and that they encourage you to become more healthy, green, and contribute to maintaining the biodiversity that is being lost.

Eastern Tailed Blue

Great Sources for Seeds

Johnnys Selected Seeds http://johnnyseed.com/ – an employee-owned company. Has a very nice selection of Heirloom, organic, and non-hybrid seed choices.

Seed Savers Exchange http://www.seedsavers.org/ – A non-profit organization of gardeners who save and share heirloom seed.

The Cooks Garden http://www.cooksgarden.com/ – a nice assortment of seeds, particularly geared for those who love to garden and cook.

Books that I love which have made a difference in my relationship to plants, growing, and mother nature…

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The Way of the Coyote – “Midnight Chorus”

Eastern Coyote (Canis latrans)

Last Sunday evening I awoke to an increasingly familiar sound…the howls of several coyotes echoed through the neighboring woods, piercing the cool night air. I can tell you from experience that waking, from a sound sleep, to the raucous chorus of coyotes can be a bit startling, but I absolutely LOVE IT! In fact, I sleep with the windows open, most of the year, just so I don’t miss such happenings.

I rent a quaint house, here in Tryon, NC, nestled in a sizable patch of woods. The lower portion of the property contains a small creek, which I love to explore. My creek has minnows, aquatic insects and a few crayfish. Clearly, the creek is the heartbeat of these woods. Deer, turkey, raccoons, hawks, owls, and a multitude of woodland creatures frequent this area…but they are not alone. The coyote keeps a watchful eye on all that happens here. Always observing, calculating and patiently waiting for an opportunity. Make no mistake…this is one savvy wild dog. Perhaps no other wild animal can live in such close proximity to man, and yet be so completely unseen.

This past Winter I had an encounter with the local coyote pack I will never forget…