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I’m thrilled to share exciting developments at the Living Ground Project Site – the creation of a secret garden soon to be home to 54 versatile plants, thriving globally. As part of my recent mission, I’m diligently digitizing teachings on self-reliance, covering topics like Microbe Compost creation, sustainable gardening, and adding nutritional value to harvested foods.

An invaluable addition is the Live Blood teaching tool, empowering individuals to monitor their health using a simple $100 or $200 microscope. Manuals on health protocols and a comprehensive 650-page book on the 54 herbs are in the works. The first draft is complete, and I’m currently navigating the intricacies of formatting.

This digital treasure trove will become part of Living Ground’s online courses, enriching minds globally. The Project Site serves as a living manifestation of these courses, welcoming apprentices, guests, and tourists to gain hands-on experience. Our goal is to empower individuals to return to their communities, spreading wisdom and knowledge for a brighter, self-reliant future.

The new greenhouse which has just been completed will be the nursery for these 54 plants.   I have also created a card deck that will accompany the sale of any plant.  Collectors cards!    

Here is a sneak peak from The Secret’s of the Garden – Living Ground’s book….

Welcome to a walk-through of a living herbarium, a place that showcases the multifaceted relationships between microbes, humans and plants.

This book is a written version of a real garden in Southern Ecuador. At the heart of Living Ground Project in southern Ecuador, these pages come to life in a secret garden, where plants illustrate the lessons etched in their roots, stalks, leaves and petals.  This book is the written version of this garden. It is intended that plants themselves emerge as orators of this book sharing their untamed wilderness. The emphasis on “Wild” as an identity signals a resistance to domestication and control.  

The herbs planted in this book grow anywhere in the world.  This is narrative where plants and nature are given characters to convey messages about ecology, environmentalism, or the intrinsic value of the natural world.

My name is Leisha.  I intend to show you how each microbe and plant has played a role in nature’s creation, medicine, food, and culture. This written library is more than just a collection of plants; it’s an exhibit of the partnerships between people and the botanical world. I will also share the tenacity of the plants many who are considered weeds and how they have transformed the world around us and continue to be our steadfast allies.

“We are Wild, the ones you cannot contain. We have no interest in being in your cultivated gardens. Rather, we eat the sun and cultivate each other, drawing on the life force energy of the dirt. Some years we ourish, creating abundance, and some years we almost fade away. These ever-returning cycles of life generating life are the way of the Wild.”

After delving into the profound wisdom Dr Elaine’s new science on the soil food web, I underwent a transformative awakening that challenged my long-held beliefs as a natural healer.  I came to a profound realization that the paths of natural health and allopathic medicine were actually taking the same approach to health and disease—their common ground being the battle against microbes.     The germ theory!    A

lthough, yes,  using natural substances is better, the outcome and the intentions are the same.   It is a war on microbes, the very essence of all life.  Since a young child, I have been a devoted lover of wild nature. Plants, both medicinal and culinary, have been companions for over 4 decades.   And, I have had culinary, medicinal and vegetable gardens for 4 decades.  The other 3  decades were in Canada were I learned the art of seasonal growing, harvesting and preserving.   Since being in Southern Ecuador, I can grow year round.  Both have had their learning curves and challenges.

Twelve years back, while hitting middle age, I took a leap and moved to the South Andes mountains in Ecuador.    Yes, it was probably a crisis time for me.   While this relocation wasn’t a part of any premeditated plan and could be seen as an impulsive response to a mid-life crisis, it evolved into a journey of discovering how to lead a life based on my own principles, free from dependence on money or societal norms. It was a raw and unromantic experience, yet I embraced this lifestyle for a duration of four years. In Ecuador, the ability to cultivate crops throughout the year doesn’t necessarily translate to easier gardening compared to Canada. I hold the belief that seeds possess an inherent timekeeping mechanism, triggered by environmental factors even in the warm and semi-tropical conditions here. Placing seeds in the soil doesn’t guarantee immediate sprouting; in fact, it might take weeks or even months for them to germinate. While the specic reasons behind this phenomenon remain unclear to me, I am gradually advancing in my comprehension of these intricate cycles.  It is a fascinating learning experience.

Most of my adult life, I have had an insatiable thirst for knowledge that led to delving into the realms of herbalism, ayurveda, homeopathy, and naturopathy.   I don’t think there has been a time in my life when I was not studying about health and healing.  Five years ago, I embarked on a transformative journey with Dr. Elaine Ingham, becoming a certied Consultant and Soil Microbe Lab Technician.    

Humbled by the revelation to stop the war on germs, I rec

ognized that my organic gardening practices and approach to natural health were inadvertently aligned with this “germ theory” and its a war mentality. This had a profound impact on my perspective, prompting me to reevaluate my practices and embark on a journey of unlearning, seeking a harmonious coexistence with the living world.

Like many places in the world, our local area has experience and rash of crazy and intense fires threatening the living ground of our nature and soil.  Prevention work is important.   

One local solution is to pipe waters from our local national forest, the Podocarpus.   Living Ground feels that the solution to the fires is not to pump more water out of the rivers that are already low enough and barely support the local lands especially in a situation of drought.     This is a temporary fix that mainly addresses areas where there could be a potential fire in the future and in the long term, it will create more problems.

Why not look to Nature and how she works.   This solution is increasing the soil sponge and restoring the soil microbes.

As part of the Soil Food Web educational program, we were inroduced to Didi Pershouse.  Didi Pershouse stands as a prominent advocate and educator pioneering the work that revolves around the concept of the “soil sponge,” 

This concerpt is that healthy soil behaves much like a sponge.  The soil sponge metaphor conveys the following principles without the need for enumeration:

At its core, the soil sponge represents the capacity of well-nurtured soil to mimic the water-absorbing and holding properties of a sponge. It soaks up rainwater and irrigation, storing it within its structure, and gradually releases this moisture to nourish plants during drier periods.   What holds the water?   The microbe aggregates.

The soil sponge’s importance  extends to mitigating the impacts of fire or climate change by reducing the likelihood of both droughts and floods. In periods of drought, the soil sponge provides a reservoir of moisture that helps plants thrive even in arid conditions. During heavy rainfall, it prevents excess water from causing floods and erosion.  Double win!

A thriving soil sponge is synonymous with healthier and more resilient ecosystems. By ensuring a consistent water supply for plants, it promotes their growth and vitality.   This prevents fires.  The soil sponge’s effectiveness hinges on the soil’s organic matter content and the presence of beneficial microorganisms. Soils rich in organic matter and teeming with beneficial microbes exhibit a superior water-holding capacity, thus reinforcing their role as effective sponges.

Increasing the soil sponge means we stop tilling practices for minimal soil disturbance,.  It requires the incorporation of organic matter through microbe rich compost.   It requires cover cropping, and the avoidance of excessive chemical inputs. These practices are central to enhancing soil structure, increasing its water-holding capacity, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of nature.

Here in Ecuador we have rains for half a year and dry season the other  half.   This year the dry season seemed more like a drought.   There are two things that are very important to living soils to prevent fires escpecially in dry season or drought:

• Increasing rainfall with tree/plant cover – increase biodiversity and biomass.  Yes, this is possible!
• Keeping the grass greener  and longer due to larger water reserve with the soil sponge – types of grasses are important.

While we often think of plants as passive participants in the water cycle, they actually play an active role in influencing rainfall, thanks to a remarkable partnership with specific bacteria.

On the surface of plants, a unique group of bacteria live. These tiny microorganisms are more than just casual residents; they are major contributors to the complex process of rainfall. The bacteria reside within the stomata of leaves, those microscopic openings that plants use for gas exchange.  As these bacteria thrive in their leafy abode, they multiply. When conditions are right, these bacterial hitchhikers are released into the atmosphere, ready to play a crucial role in the formation of raindrops.   In the upper atmosphere, these bacteria become concentrated, leading to a transformation in raindrop dynamics. By interacting with other particles and moisture in the atmosphere, they aid in the coalescence of smaller water droplets into larger ones. This process results in raindrops growing heavy enough to overcome the force of gravity and fall to the Earth’s surface.

The significance of this microbial contribution to rainfall cannot be overstated. It reminds us that the natural world is a web of interconnected relationships, where even the tiniest beings can have a profound impact on the larger processes that shape our environment. So, the next time you witness a refreshing rain shower, remember to thank not only the clouds but also the microscopic bacteria that made it possible.

Soilution

When soil biodiversity is compromised, as indicated by Living Ground’s findings locally, it can have far-reaching consequences. The health of plants, animals, and even humans depends on the intricate relationships within the soil. Loss of diversity and fungal biomass can lead to soil degradation, reduced agricultural productivity, and increased vulnerability to soil erosion.

Reestablishing the soil microbiome is an essential step in addressing these challenges. Techniques like compost tea and extract applications, cover cropping, and reduced tillage can help restore microbial diversity and fungal biomass.   And, of course, education for our local residents especially about how fire destroys the soil microbes. These approaches not only benefit the soil but also promote healthier plant growth and enhance the overall resilience of ecosystems.

The reason the mountains are drying and fires are raging is multifaceted but it is ultimately a result of the management practices of the land over the last decades or century. The problem is endemic thus so should the solution be.  There are many areas in the world that have much much less rainfall than the Vilcabamba area and they are able to harvest it and make use of it all year long. The fires are not a symptom of a lack of rain; they represent the damage that has been done to the landscape. Bringing more water from outside sources (such as our precious National Podocarpus park) will not solve the problem, only temporarily hide the issue.

Improving soil aggregations

What is soil aggregation ?

Arrangement of primary soil particles (sand, silt, clay) around soil organic matter and through particle associations. This arrangement increases the amount of air space in the soil and offers room to store water.

Soil aggregation is directly related to the soil’s ability to hold water. The soil aggregating of the pastures in the mountains is extremely low and this greatly reduces its ability to capture and hold rainfall. So even if it does rain all that water washes down the hill into the river causing flooding and taking precious minerals with it. By improving soil aggregation we can help infiltrate water, this will help the grass remain greener longer and also provide the rivers with a slow release of water that can last through the dry season.  This is called the soil sponge.   This would help make the most out of each drop of water that we get over time and during the dry season

Encouraging Perennial Grasses

Because of the past cycle of fires the soil on the mountains has been damaged. High temperatures on the surface kill the biology living in the soil surface. This reduced biology encourages annual grasses that dry up in dry season and provide most of the fuel for the fires.    Perennial grasses invest more into the soil then Annual grasses simply because they have a long term strategy. They help improve soil aggregation through feeding the microbes if they are present.  Also, Perennial grasses are generally better and more nutritius feed for animals too.

Alejandro Carillo Chihuahua desert creates his own rain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANZNt8LXM6o

Fungi in the Soils

Fungi or mushrooms are an integral part of the soils and major contributors to the aggregation of soil. They serve many functions to help against the fire.

Fungi play a major role in the improvement of soil. Their function is to create Macro aggregates.  Mycorrhizal fungi are major partners to plants and offer a host of benefits if they are present in the soil. These benefits include:

• increased nutrient uptake (especially phosphorus and micro nutrients)
• protection from diseases of the roots
• they can provide water to the plant in case of drought.
• Due to the improved nutrition the plants are more resilient to disease and are also more nutritious to the animals that graze them.

Fungi also provide another benefit to soils. A cubic centimeter of soil can contain as much as 1km of fungal strands. Fungal strands are very strong; some species can be as much as 17x stronger tension strengths than steel. This characteristic will help prevent landslide and erosion of the already thin soils of the mountains.

Water Harvesting

Rain water retention basins on top of mountains to collect water in the rainy season for use in the dry season is another good solution.  This can serve a double purpose to increase the productivity of the grazing grounds in the mountains as well as keep the grass green. 

This an Indian NGO that has a contest every year for villages to create the most water harvesting structures and results have been staggering. In a very short period of time they are able to restore their water cycle and go from deserted landscape to lush and productive agricultural land.

https://readtheshift.com/the-water-cup-%F0%9F%8F%86-how-a-competition-is-solving-indias-water-crisis/

Reforestation incentives
Planting trees at the top of the mountains to help increase soil aggregation increase water retention and provide a source for the rain causing bacteria. However, we also encourage you to watch this video that will challenge the current view of reforestation.    Perhaps we should observe how Nature does it as she has more experience than us humans  https://youtu.be/qW_opcoW8Ts?si=phMjZwcGNSgcZcWD

Conclusion

We believe that the money, effort and time required for any fire restoration project could be better used at restoring the soil and landscape.    Living Ground has the microbes and the ability to be a part of any restoration/rejuvenation project.  Living Ground’s commitment to sustainable landscaping and design extends beyond individual projects. Their work serves as a reminder of the critical importance of nurturing and revitalizing the soil microbiome in our local area and beyond. By doing so, we can contribute to the long-term health of our environment and ensure a more sustainable future for all.

When contemplating the wondrous process by which plants convert sunlight into sustenance, it’s a reminder of the vast diversity of life.  Much of our world is on fire!   Some is natural and some is not!   It has caused a fear of fire as something we most stop and prevent.   

Sun is fire.    Plants utilize this fire for food.   Basically we can say that plants are fire eaters.   This understanding, transcending our human-centric perspective, touches our hearts more profoundly than our rational minds. The realization that plants and flowers are born from the radiant energy of the sun invokes a deep sense of wonder. It’s in our hearts, not our intellect, that we truly grasp this miracle.

Wildfires are often seen as destructive, but they are also a natural part of many ecosystems. Fire helps to recycle nutrients, control pests, and promote the growth of new plants.

Humans have a long history of using fire, but we have also learned to fear it. We do everything we can to prevent wildfires, even though they are necessary for ecological balance.   Fire can destroy and give birth.    Sometimes, when we interrupt the natural fire cycles of the Earth, we throw the ecosystem out of balance.

Many flowers adapted with fire.  They teach us that it is possible to survive and thrive even after a devastating experience. They remind us that fire is a natural and necessary part of life.   The adaptation of certain flowering plants to thrive in fire-prone environments is nothing short of remarkable. Take, for instance Wild Hollyhock which I am attempting to grow in my garden.   In the wilds, this plant used the heat of fire to trigger its seeds to germinate. These seeds are like memory-keepers, preserving the ancient wisdom of survival in extreme climates. What can we, as humans, learn from these eons of plant-gathered knowledge?

These “fire-following” flowers not only survive but thrive in the aftermath of a fire. The reduction in competition and the release of nutrients from the ashes create fertile ground for their growth. This ability to seize opportunities in the wake of fires is reminiscent of the success story of early flowering plants over 100 million years ago.

After a fire, these dormant “fire-flowers” burst into a riot of colors, symbolizing the resilience of life. They seem to respond to the devastation of the wildfire with a fiery passion of their own, ushering in a new cycle of life in a display of breathtaking beauty.

Other fire-adapted plants, such as fireweed, arnica, fire poppies, and fire lily, also exemplify the tenacity and adaptability of life in the face of fire. Purple Coneflower, known for its strength, becomes even more resilient when it survives a fire. It conveys a message of strength and resilience, reminding us that we are part of this Earth and possess the power to overcome our fears.

The history of angiosperms is intertwined with fire. Angiosperms are flowering plants.   Paleobotanists have unearthed evidence of ancient angiosperms preserved in charcoal residues, showing that fire has played a surprising role in preserving the oldest of flowers. These early angiosperms adapted to reproduce more quickly than their predecessors, enabling them to thrive in newly disturbed environments. They evolved more efficient photosynthesis, transpiration, and growth, which contributed to their dominance.

In the geologic record, a “high-fire world” existed during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, where oxygen levels were higher, temperatures were warmer, and vegetation was abundant, providing ample fuel for fires. This fire-filled world facilitated the evolution and success of flowering plants.

In our culture, wildfires are often seen as destructive forces to be avoided at all costs. However, in nature, fire is one of the four fundamental elements, alongside water, air, and earth. It’s essential for ecological balance and has been a part of our human history for millions of years. We have a symbiotic relationship with fire, whether we realize it or not.

Yet, in modern times, we’ve become increasingly focused on suppressing wildfires, disrupting natural fire cycles, and altering ecosystems. This prompts us to reflect on the consequences of interfering with the natural order. Fire, in its various forms, serves as a cleansing force, removing what is no longer needed and opening space for new life to flourish. Just as the fire-follower flowers recall their origins, we too can learn from these natural processes.

Dr. Chad Hanson is a research ecologist and the director of the John Muir Project of Earth Island Institute, located in Kennedy Meadows, California. He has studied fire ecology in conifer forest ecosystems for decades, and his work has helped to shed light on the importance of natural fires in these ecosystems.

In his presentation, “Smokescreen: Debunking Wildfire Myths to Save Our Forests and Our Climate,” Dr. Hanson discusses how fear, arrogance, and greed have shaped the way that people view wildfires. He argues that these misconceptions have led to the mismanagement of wildfires, which can have negative impacts on forests and the climate.

Dr. Hanson’s work is closely aligned with the information shared about fire-adapted flowers. Both topics highlight the regenerative power of fire and the need to address misconceptions and misinformation about fire.

The interplay between fire-adapted plants, the ancient wisdom encoded in their seeds, and the role of fire in the evolution of flowering plants is a testament to the intricate dance of life on our planet. Fire, though often perceived as a destructive force, holds within it the potential for rebirth and renewal, a lesson we can all embrace as we navigate the challenges of life. 

Surviving a fire, being reduced to one’s bare essentials, and emerging anew, can be seen as a metaphor for personal growth and transformation. It’s a reminder that, despite the fear and destruction associated with fire, it can also foster new beginnings and offer a fresh perspective on life.

Fire is often seen as a destructive force, but it is also an essential part of many ecosystems. Natural fires help to rejuvenate the landscape, clear out dead and decaying matter, and create opportunities for new growth. This concept is closely related to the discussion about fire-adapted flowers that thrive in post-fire environments.