Healing Gardens

Body:

Week1

First Reflection

1. Compare descriptions of ecosystems

Both texts used several ways of describing ecosystems or zones. In Deur and Turner’s "Keeping it Living", the four biogeoclimatice zones are characterized by their vegetation, climate, and topography. "Natural History of Puget Sound Country" bases zones primarily based on altitudes and regional relationships within the ecosystems.
The text Keeping it Living describes four different zones in our region The first one discussed is the “Coastal Douglas-fir zone” which is dominated by Douglas fir and also contains Pacific Madrone, Grand Fir, and Western Red Cedar. This zone is typically a warm and dry area and found along coastal areas where rain shadows occur. The Coastal Western Hemlock Zone are from low to mid elevations, and the Mountain Hemlock Zone is from mid to high elevations.The zone at the highest elevation is the “Alpine Tundra biogeoclimatic zone.” This zone is to cold to support trees and consists mostly of low lying perennial plants.

The trees dominating a region are typically the biggest indicators between different zones. Regions overlap and while there are four basic distinct zones, the plants growing in all are similar, as are the relationships between them. The main difference between the regions described in the texts are the names given to the zones. Only three vegetation zones are recognized in the Puget Sound Basin: the Western Hemlock Zone, The Pacific Silver, and the upper forested Mountain Hemlock. (122) "Natural History of Puget Sound Country"
recognizes The Pacific Fir zone, which is located at slightly higher elevations above the Western Hemlock zone an includes the grand fir, Pacific madrone and broad leaf maple as well as western red cedar trees.

2.Discuss your understanding of relationships between natural systems and cultural systems in the Northwest

Many plants benefit each other just by being near each other. While there are many trees that require lots of light, they provide a canopy and protection for plants that do not. Plants depend on other plants and animals for their survival, just as people do, no matter how much each like to think that they are independent and strong. An example of a relationship is how common it is that Western Hemlocks grow around sword ferns. In the “Coastal Western Hemlock zone” among the Western Hemlocks, Pacific Silver Fir and Western Red Cedar are also common.

As sea levels stabilized, salmon increased so more First Peoples accessed the water. mMany First Peoples lived by water so they could had easier access by water to plants and animals. They had a marine oriented economic life. While many resources were inherited, and therefore elite controlled, the community was very supportive of one another. Most First Peoples lived in multifamily houses. The Native Americans helped themselves by helping the land. The healing process was one that involved animal, plant, and human spirits. none were disrepected or taken advantage of. They fished salmon, hunted, and had primary places they frequently attended to. When the berries were ripe, they would eat berries. highly developed wood working techniques were used, especially focusing on the use of western red cedar. The First Peoples culture is based on the natural order of the world. They tried to flow with its energies and rhythms, while not interfering with the natural balance of things. While they enhanced the growth of useful plants in sites, they did not do it by sacrificing the well being of any other. The common thread in both First Peoples and nature, is that all depend on one another for survival. Community is key.

But the Europeans who came seemed to have lost that sense of community and tolerance, of working with cycles. The white man couldn't see the many practices First Peoples did to keep things living. They viewed the land as an untouched beauty. They viewed the First Peoples as those who just lived off what fell in their hands. Because First Peoples benefited off the land without having to make huge rows of crops, their ways were rarely noticed. Surely, First Peoples ways of working with the land were not respected. I recently read about the Battles at Wounded Knee. I was horrified and alarmed to read that eventually a government plan was made to move all First Peoples to Oklahoma (which translates to red man and red earth) and build a wall around it. In the name of civility, white men destroyed First Peoples ways of life. Banning all traditional practices, and forcing English, white men made it hard for first peoples' knowledge of the land to be passed on to future generations.

3. Plants discussed I believe that I can successfully identify would be Douglas Fir, Sword Fern, Salal, Oregon Grape, Red Alder, Big Leaf Maple, Huckleberry, Vine Maple, and Grand Fir.
Echinacea,Goldenseal, St. John’s wort I am familiar with but couldn’t identify.

4. Ideas gained I could apply to my habitat

I can prune, weed, transplant, and selectively harvest. By doing this i am forest farming.

Second Reflection
1. Discuss my understanding of relationships between natural systems and cultural systems in the North west , but add into the mix your new understanding of the roles you might play as an agent of healing, that is, of your “identity” in relationship to your understandings

First Peoples worked with plants to benefit from them. I see that there is communication between plant and person, a meeting of the spirit. As a person seeking to heal all forms of life, i feel that it is very important i keep communicating and respecting all forms of life. In the process of harvesting herbs for medicine this is very important. From this class, i now understand that i send out energy as plants do. ANd as i shouldn't disrespectfully tread in another's territory, it should be the same for plants. Before taking this class i never thought to ask a flower if it minded being picked for my selfish pursuit. Now i feel that plants feel my presence, as i do theirs. I further see how intention is so important. The intention when preparing medicine is to heal. So the whole process should be healing. I should ask permission to take the plant. Thank it for allowing me to take from it, try to return something back to it. Sending my good intentions is the least i can do.

2.List new plants discussed I can identify
Wild Ginger, Trailing blackberry, Rhododendron, Salmonberry,Deer Fern, Horse-tail, Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, Lavender, Geranium, Licorice fern, Red alder, Grand fir. Salal., Oregon grape, Vine Maple, Wild Ginger, Stinging Nettle,Rose,,Echinacea, , Valerian, , Garlic, Comfrey, Catnip, Peppermint, chamomile, , cattails. I have taken Goldenseal in pill form but can’t recall ever using the herb.

3. Ideas that I could apply to LHG project work

I would like to use use some of the techniques to enhance berry production. They put shells and things under the bushes. I would also really like to learn other ways of using ferns as medicine.

Third Reflection
Connections

The duality of all things has become very evident to me lately. The plants around me, mostly barren, are just waiting to explode into bursts of green. While i have been fortunate to have been blessed to meet many sincwere and genuine people, i am appalled with greed and lies i see around me. I feel pulled into many directions. Of course, i struggle recognizing my own emotions.

Further, i understand how we need opposites of everything to have anything whole or complete. How would we recognize one thing, without it's opposite? we need opposites to balance things out. "We are together in this, all of us, and it’s our job to love each other, human, animal, and land, the way ocean loves shore, and shore loves and needs the ocean, even if they are different elements.”(29) In The Woman Who Watches Over the World (A Native Memoir) by Linda Hogan. I related this book to a lot we are learning in Healing Gardens

We have been talking a lot about how water is incorporated into our lives, inside and out. I feel her words eloquently reiterate the same things we have been discussing.Especially these quotes:

“we are too fluid to pin down, and passing through our lives like water, we cannot easily be called back as we fall into self, time, and what seems like destiny. Like water that, in its oceanic destiny, follows a fierce journey of its own desires through rivers, sea waves, and even beneath ground, we each have our own journey too.” (35)
“ Like water, I rush toward a destiny, a balance, a harmony. I call it sea level.” (33) “Water is the medium through which things travel. It wishes to return to sea level, a still point. It slips through human hands. It falls from the sky. This is true not only in the great seas people cross over, but also in our human deaths when the body gives in to fluids and yeasts. At the end, the body breaks down to water.”

It must have been a desert person who said from dust we come to dust we return because, for most of us, water is the true element of our origin. Broken birthwaters signal our emergence into the air world, and through our lifetimes it is water that sustains us, water that is the human substance, the matter of cells.” (31)

Fourth Reflection
Wedn 7 feb

1. How is the winter manifesting in you and in the world around you?

Noone wants to go outside, darkness comes earlier……things feel pent up. I am sleepy but yet feel impatient as if anticipating something .
I feel very wishy washy about decision making. I’m not sure what ill feel like doing by summer so I’m reluctant to make any plans. Right now is not the time to act though, now is the time for planning for the future and reflecting on the past. I feel the excitement and energy of things yet to come.

2. What is your relationship with your journal? Is it deep and fulfilling? If not, what could you do to engage with it and learn from it more?

I wish there were more hours in the day. Often by the time I get off work it is dark out. I feel that my photography journals convey my connection with nature a lot more than my drawings do.It’s too cold to spend too much time outside, gloves make my poor drawing skills even worse.

I need to make a journal of plant pressings to improve my identification skills. I plan on doing that in spring.

3. What is medicine? What is a garden? Write a definition of each. Compare your definitions. Insights?

My definition of medicine is anything that helps ease pain and reduces irritations of the heart, mind , or body. Things used to maintain stability in heart, mind, and body.

My definition of a garden is a place for healing and pleasure. It need not be man made, nor maintained, nor a designated space. While a garden usually contains plants and animals, i don't feel that they must be present to constitute a garden. I would hope that something were growing in the place called a garden. To me a garden symbolizes growth.

What is good for the heart and mind can also heal the body. All things are interrelated. Working in a garden is beneficial on a spiritual level, and then healing comes from working with the plant, and all the pleasures in the process.

February 14, 2007
Keeping it Living

1.Ch 5 summary, page 2: response, 3: Connections to the longhouse Garden and/ or my site

Chapter 5 “ A Fine Line Between Two Nations” : Ownership Patterns for Plant Resources Among Northwest Coast Indigenous Peoples

Europeans rarely recognized the many techniques of land preservation or the sustainability practices of the first peoples of the Northwest Coast . They thought that First Peoples just took what naturally was abundant. Of course the “hunter- gatherer” title was put on first peoples, implying they just wandered around using land. Europeans didn't understand all the cultivation practices used to enhance plant production. In fact they actually lived in one territory where they traditionally made rounds to access different things that were available in different times of year at different locations around their home. Europeans felt that they would make better use of the land, so they took it from these native people for their own uses. Europeans didn’t notice that first peoples already had a system of ownership of the land. Europeans considered First Peoples to be people who lived off mostly the water so when first peoples were put on reserves, they rarely had access to the plant habitats they were accustomed to using.
Having a family or person be responsible for different areas ensures that there would be an abundance of resources in the future. Owning a resource area does not mean the same thing as ownership does to Europeans. Ownership implies greed. Indigenous peoples who “own” something, are also taking on a big responsibility. “For us, the ownership of territory is a marriage of the Chief and the land.” (171( That person or group must insure the well being of whatever resource they are responsible for. Not only do owners monitor who can use the resource and how much they can use, but they must use plant management techniques such as weeding and tending. The timing of harvest and amount taken must be monitored to ensure future productivity. Owners must sustain ably maintain the land, and ensure share resources with their own group. Wakashan -speaking people had a custom that all first harvested plants were given to the Chief and then all the people joined for a large feast. Trading of resources is common, and most tradable commodities are owned to ensure their abundance. First peoples had a totally different perspective of ownership, than the Europeans. First peoples regarded all life forms as needing each other, and all as having spirits- “all things are one”. This is probably a huge factor in why they were able to “keep it living”.
Boundaries were well known and respected. Few people crossed them, because they could trade resources without having to. If a person wanted to cross a boundary, they must ask permission from the owner of the land whether that be chief, family, or individual. If a person crossed without permission, it might easily lead to death of the trespasser. Indigenous people often bordered their gathering sites, made boundaries with four cedar stakes. Kwakwaka’wakw people prized their berries so much that if some outsider picked their berries without permission, often death would be punishment.
There are multiple concepts of ownership regarding land and resource management among the different indigenous groups.
Certain habitats and areas were especially controlled by ownership. These areas include camus bulbs in open prairies and meadows, estuaries, rice-root, and tidal flats with silverweed.(153) While most sites are inherited, Wakashan speaking people reward acts of bravery with sites. Haida people traded land or gave it away as a gift.

Clark commented that he “had no where met with Indians who had such highly developed notions of everything the Country produced being their exclusive property as these.” (160) This comment shocks me, because the land did belong to the first peoples. Northwest coast peoples probably were more territorial of their resources than other groups, but it seems understandable that they would want to cherish and preserve what they have. The way that the Europeans refused to acknowledge indigenous groups tactics, skills, and knowledge as valuable, makes me very upset. Because of my ancestors, knowledge has been lost, connections with nature have become more limited in diversity. The history of persecution against native Americans is horrifying. Through out the last century Europeans have driven natives off their own land, forbidden native practices, and forced much of the native American culture to be lost. Forcing religion, language, and culture onto peoples who may have been able to provide a deeper meaning of life to the “civil” ways of the white man, Europeans have created a riff that will never be able to be fixed.
I feel that we, as students of Healing Gardens, should think of our habitat sites similarly as the natives did with their habitats. Respect other peoples things, and habitats We should seek permission before taking from someone else’s habitat or pruning it. We should be respectful of all life in our habitat, and try and preserve an abundance for the future. While one plant such as a blackberry bush may be in abundance and therefore accessible to all, others are rare and should be especially cared for. As first peoples do, we should tend our sites by weeding and such. Respect of all things is the biggest thing we should take with us to our Longhouse garden.

Brandi Stone
2/20/07

7th

Reflecting on seeing Maya Angelou here at Evergreen.

Seeing Maya Angelou in person and hearing her speak was an unforgettable experience I will never forget. She sang the beautiful words of some of her poems and told us some of her experiences in life. To hear this inspirational, fascinating woman recount her experiences was so incredible.
She, speaking specifically to this generation of Evergreen students, told us to really take advantage of this time in our lives. She reminded us that it is a time for letting go of things holding you back, it is time for liberation. She acted as if she were carrying two large weights and then letting them go. I felt that it was a really nice coincidence that this season of winter is also a time for letting go.
She also reminded us how important it is to memorize poetry. It will always be beneficial for the soul and can be taken with us everywhere.
She told us to do research on the integration of schools and how the government had sent in the National Guard, how the government was involved, and the importance and significance of women like Diane Nash. In my class Strong Women I just recently learned much about this issue, which made me feel very happy knowing I understood what she was talking about.
A large emphasis of her speech is the point of how we are all rainbows in each other’s lives. We should understand that while we may never know the depth or breath of how far our actions impact, we should realize that we are all influencing others all the time in little ways.
She spoke of people who were rainbows in her own life such as her grandmother and uncle. She had been raped at a very young age and when she told someone, the molester was killed. She thought she had killed him with her words and didn’t speak for five years. During this time she lived with her grandmother who told her that one day she would be a great educator. Maya recounted thinking at the time, that her grandmother must be crazy, that she would never speak again, much less be a great educator. Her uncle, whom she also lived with taught her multiplication tables in front of a hot stove.
It was humorous to hear her describe how quickly she had learned multiplication tables because of the fear of what may happen if she got them wrong. Maya later met a boy who had a blind mother that her uncle had taken care of. He had learned multiplication the same way from the same man. She spoke of many people she had met who had been influenced by family members. She described how these connections had made her realize how much people are rainbows in each other’s lives.
A quote she said that I will never forget: “I am human, therefore nothing human can be alien to me.”

Reflection 8

february 27,2007

"Keeping it Living" made very clear that although Europeans rarely paid much attention to the cultivation techniques of Native Americans of the Northwest Coast, First Peoples indeed used many to enhance plant production. It was also clear that despite the tendency for people to be categorized as "hunter- gathers" or using "cultivation" those terms are on two broad ends of a spectrum. Most people, including the First Peoples of the Northwest Coast, fall in the middle of that spectrum. Although many educated people once categorized Native Americans as hunter gathers, this is not the case. Europeans just didn't validate the ways of the Natives. First Peoples burn, weed, till, transplant and sow to enhance native species of plants. Although hunting and fishing are major components of a First Person's way of finding good, plants substitute when there isn't enough meat. At times when animals are scarce, plants are the sole means of survival. But First Peoples have a larger reason for tending the earth than just for food. Tending the earth is a way of life. Everything is connected and has a spirit. Not only can plants be used as tools or for trade, but they also are spirits, beings in themselves. Because Europeans wanted to use the land for their own pursuits, they took it. They validated their actions by saying Natives don't put the land to use. Natives were put on reserves not through negotiations, but by force so many of the prized plants are not accessible on the reserves. Now people are starting to realize the importance of the natives' ways. Through talking people can incorporate old ways with the new.

My personal presentation will include a slide show with pictures of many of my favorite plants from my garden. I find it harder than i thought it would be, to find a quick way of summing up personal relations and identity in my garden. At first this question left me with a huge blank. But then i pondered this question for days as i worked with it and watched it, the question stayed on my mind as i slept. And I realized i could talk for an hour and not be fully able to articulate precisely my personal connections and identity. It's complicated, intricate, yet simple too.

I want to talk about so much. I need to practice and make sure i can stick to the main points and yet be genuine. It will take practice and editing but i want to talk about how

I was born in Arizona. My aunt had these huge potted maidenhair ferns all over that she spent hours misting and petting. The only green plants I recall seeing are potted palm trees and ferns in malls and my aunts living room. I didn’t play outside much.
But then we moved to Washington close to Mt. Rainier. All of a sudden I was surrounded with trees and brown muddy dirt. Fields of grass so tall we could play hide and seek in it.
The first plant I remember calling to me was rhodendrons. The flowers would die and remain on the branch for months. I remember feeling they needed help letting go.
It’s so awesome for me to see the palm tree right next to rhodendrons because it’s like a piece of both homes, a reminder of my history.
Soon after I got my license at 16, I got in a really bad car accident. I didn’t expect to ever fully recover or walk normally again. I got addicted to pain and sleep medications and felt completely out of rhythm and separated from myself and all around me. I looked pretty bad and felt uncomfortable around people. People acted differently, unnaturally ginger and I isolated myself while recovering.
During this time plants and animals became my source of comfort and growth. I spent a lot of time just sitting and watching life around me growing, and changing, and evolving. I realized our needs aren’t much different. I could see myself in plants, how our scars are similar, how vital and life sustaining water is. I seen patience and strength in plants and although I hadn’t yet discovered the first peoples’ belief that “all is one” I felt that way. I learned the wonders of valerium and gained health through eating a lot of fruits and vegetables.
This quarter I was reminded of the wonders of water through nature and class readings such as “The Woman Who Watches Over the World.” Water is so important- it makes up much of my body and the plants, it sutains us, heals us, moves us .
I have been experimenting with herb teas since I began this class so I decided to make a tea garden.
My roots are strongly in my dad’s side of the family, the stone family. My potted plants have stone on the bottom of the pots.
I, like my potted plants, am moved around and continue growing. My roots, like theirs, build on top of one another leading me to where I am now. We are similar still in that both are in need of pruning and weeding out invasive things unnecessary for our environment. And although we can be put in a new place, the core elements of what makes me me and rosemary, rosemary doesn’t change. The essence of what makes us unique remains.

We are one, made from the same divine earth.
From chill and pain comes new growth

Reflection 9

My experience with Sweet Breathing of Plants:

I found myself almost in a meditative state while reading. The reading consisted of beautifully written words that were both learning tools and deeply touching at the same time. I especially enjoyed Sharman Apt Russell's "Smelling like a Rose." The way scent is such a unique part of us, and plants too. I had never even thought of what is in perfume. I had assumed it consisted mostly of alcohol. I had no idea "the middle notes are oils and resins that resemble sex steroids" or "from flowers that use scent to attract pollinators." (14) The words were so touching yet so educational too. I learned that some believe when Muhammad went to heaven, roses bloomed where his sweet dripped.

Other chapters i found especially meaningful and teaching includes "Huckleberries" by Annick Smith and "For the Maples" by Laura Bowers Foreman. As you know i absolutely love huckleberries so i was enjoyed this chapter. Before reading this chapter i had not known that berry picking was a courtship ritual in many tribes. Although i knew how much bears love berries, i was surprised to learn much of their fat burning calories are from them.

This book never felt like actual homework. I am sure i will read it in the future before bed, outside on the beach, and will read the poetry to my family. I appreciate having the opportunity to have read it and will recommend this book to others.