The New Leaf Project

Gifts from the garden

[thenewleafproject]

Here are a few things I’m growing in my garden! #tomatoes #organic gardening #thenewleafproject #peppers #kale #sugarsnappeas #freedomgarden #basil #oregano #organic #foodforest #meyerlemon #permacultureliving #kentuckywonderpolebeans #parsley #growyourownfood (at Portland, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_qxYgVjOW-/?igshid=2lshphcuenlj

[thenewleafproject]

A human being is an influence on nature and the universe as a whole. We experience ourselves, and our thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of our consciousness. Our delusion is a prison for us, restricting us from our personal desires and an affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. We were all made to love, and that is all. #lovequotes #love #loveoneanother #life #nature #naturephotography #quotes #quotestoliveby #live #now #free #philosophy #experience #this #universe #influencer #consciousness #thenewleafproject #northwestflorida (at Portland, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqbNX3tlhSv/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1kru7amvly87r

[thenewleafproject]

I currently have over one hundred different flowering plants on my property. This specimen is known as Gazania (also known as the treasure flower). Gazania is a species of perennial daisy. This plant is native to Southern Africa. It flowers from winter to early summer. This plant incorporates rhizomes along with a tap root. When plants develop from rhizomes each rhizome separated from the host plant has the ability to develop an entirely new plant of the same species. The plant also uses the rhizomes to store starches, proteins and other nutrients. This plant is considered a perennial herb, and is drought tolerant. This plant is also considered a medicinal edible, best used in teas. It helps with coagulation of the blood and improves your immune system. #daisy #daisies #perennialgarden #rhizome #bloom #organic #tea #organicgardening #edibleflowers #medicine #plantbased #plant #perennials #herbs #perennial #nutrition #nutritionfacts #africa #gazania #thenewleafproject #garden #gardening #foodforest #instablooms #flowers #nature #naturephotography #wildflowers (at Portland, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqObcy4ljuk/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1rl4r0fd5hmrl

[thenewleafproject]

I have studied many ways to create a low maintenance, high diversity and edible yielding property. I’ve found permaculture, bio-intensive and food forest practices to be the best. Forest gardening is a low-maintenance sustainable plant-based food production and agroforestry system based on woodland ecosystems, incorporating fruit and nut trees, shrubs, herbs, vines and perennial vegetables which have yields directly useful to humans. Making use of companion planting, these can be intermixed to grow in a succession of layers, to build a woodland habitat.Forest gardening is a prehistoric method of securing food in tropical areas. In the 1980s, Robert Hart coined the term "forest gardening" after adapting the principles and applying them to temperate climates. Permaculture is a system of agricultural and social design principles centered around simulating or directly utilizing the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems. The term permaculture was developed and coined by David Holmgren, then a graduate student, and his professor, Bill Mollison, in 1978. The word permaculture originally referred to "permanent agriculture", but was expanded to stand also for "permanent culture", as it was understood that social aspects were integral to a truly sustainable system as inspired by Masanobu Fukuoka’s natural farming philosophy.It has many branches that include, but are not limited to, ecological design, ecological engineering, environmental design, and construction. Permaculture also includes integrated water resources management that develops sustainable architecture, and regenerative and self-maintained habitat and agricultural systems modelled from natural ecosystems. #permaculture #foodforest #biointensive #agriculture #habitat #sustainability #environment #gardening #organicgardening #perennials #fruittrees #leafygreens #berries #peppers #beans #food #thenewleafproject #nature (at Portland, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpLNQDQFATE/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1041fpmwjvp8d

[thenewleafproject]

This is a small tropical guild that has really thrived. I have red bananas, caladium, terrestrial orchid, ginger, moss, giant Thai elephant ears, firecracker plants, canna lilies, and false bird of paradise. Only 1.75 million species of plants, animals, and microorganisms have been identified out of the estimated 13 million total species estimated by scientists. The benefits these species provide to the delicately-running natural cycles that help make earth habitable to humans is well known. They contribute to our way of life in many ways, from providing us food and pharmaceuticals to helping reduce the impact of natural disasters such as floods. Biodiversity is positively correlated with ecosystem productivity by a mechanism known as functional complementarity, which states that the more species there are, the more niches are occupied, and thus the greater productivity of the ecosystem. Grow a diversity of different plants in your garden and take advantage of the natural systems of nature. #nature #biodiversity #ecosystem #garden #gardening #thenewleafproject #productivity #natural #habitat #science #botany #ecology #biology #permaculture #permaculturedesign #organic #microclimate #sustainability (at Portland, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpIszPkn__2/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=9vwbg31o12yj

[thenewleafproject]

You practice the art of adventure when you heroically face up to life. When you dare to open doors to new experiences. When you are unafraid of new ideas, new theories and new philosophies. Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. There are so many adventures awaiting us in this short life. Those whose hearts interest everything find the most adventure. #lifequotes #life #curious #heart #adventure #quote #quotes #quotestoliveby #honesty #integrity #philosophy #blessed #thenewleafproject #art #hero #mountains #nature #ideas (at Portland, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpIs1LvlON9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=2e9v7f779hod

[thenewleafproject]

My Reed Orchid (Reedstem Epidendrum) looks beautiful. This orchid is hardy in zones 8-11. I live in zone 9a, which makes this a beautiful exotic perennial. Orchids use a very specific type of attraction for pollination. It’s known as sexual deception. The orchid flower emits a specific scent and flowers that appear to be female paraphyletic and anthophila flying insects. The pollinators in turn are driven to want to mate with the flowers. Diversity in the garden develops ecological sustainability. #orchids #bloom #flowers #ecology #botony #perennials #reedorchid #gardening #garden #gardenlife #organic #life #organicgardening #subtropical #florida #thenewleafproject (at Portland, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpHQnMhl27e/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dq0jf9pznvy4

[thenewleafproject]

My green beans are sprouting. This variety is called “bean garden”. Beans are a seed from several genera of the flowering plant Fabaceae. Green beans when eaten raw or slightly blanched are high in vitamins A and C. These plant species among other legumes have another special property. They contain symbiotic bacteria within nodules on their root system called rhizobia. These bacteria produce nitrogen compounds that help the plant grow. When the plant dies the fixed nitrogen is released and improves soil fertility. #knowledge #info #greenbeans #legumes #biointensive #permaculture #gardening #organicgardening #symbioticrelationship #companionplanting #soil #nature #naturephotography #fabaceae #healthyfood #healthylifestyle #seedlings #seeds #plant #thenewleafproject #rhizobia (at Portland, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo705NblUcZ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=kkd15yjgkeyq

[thenewleafproject]

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored. Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. Each one of us will face a moment when eternity whispers into our hearts, This is your time. #quotestoliveby #quotes #quotestagram #heart #change #happiness #learning #motivational #motivationalquotes #inspirational #inspirationalquotes #art #dreams #passion #thenewleafproject (at Portland, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo4eKLvlrwi/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=194jeexn9aup3

[thenewleafproject]

Gaillardia Grandiflora- (Blanket Flower) is a long lasting perennial that blooms from spring to fall in #northwestflorida. It is a relative to the sunflower and daisy. This flower is very attractive to butterflies. This plant also tends to self sow new seedlings each year. I like to grow low maintenance perennial plants and this is definitely one of them. #perennials #blanketflower #butterfly #garden #organic #organicgardening #bloom #info #florida #permaculture #foodforest #pollinatorgarden #springtime #gardening #nature #natural #naturephotography #photography #thenewleafproject (at Portland, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BonkZ3JFEMj/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=b06lre4mz2l1

[thenewleafproject]

This is my Ichiban Eggplant. I have planted several in my garden and they are loving the environment. Ichiban Eggplant produces high yields of slender fruit that have a sweet and mild flavor. They are great for grilling. We started cultivating eggplant at around 600BC. As a plant of the species nightshade, it had been feared by many early on. The fruit of the Eggplant is technically a berry with a smooth texture and a glossy skin. Nutritional analysis has shown it to be a great source of folic acid and potassium, and some studies suggest it helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol. #eggplant #nightshade #garden #gardening #organic #info #thenewleafproject #environment #berries #organicgardening #life #facts #ichiban #asianveggies #nutrition #healthylifestyle #permaculture #foodforest #foodforthought #sustainability (at Walton County, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BofKG0al9Pa/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=84pzgm8w269m

[thenewleafproject]

My own heroes are the dreamers, those men and women who tried to make the world a better place than when they found it, whether in small ways or great ones. Some succeeded, some failed, most had mixed results... but it is the effort that's heroic, as I see it. Win or lose, I admire those who fight the good fight. #quotes #inspirationalquotes #motivation #motivationalquotes #hero #dream #fighting #success #betteryourself #betterworld #peace #thenewleafproject #sail #lifequotes #life #dreamers #stories #awakening (at Portland, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Boc4a_8F-FR/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dhw39ub9ozy4

[thenewleafproject]

Here are some Gerbera Daisies I just planted. Although in much of the country they are considered annuals , here in Florida they can be overwintered as perennial flowers. Gerbera is a commonly used cut flower. It is the fifth most popular cut flower on the market. It is very attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. It is also deer resistant. #savethebees #pollinator #gerberadaisy #bee #perennial #perennialgarden #florida #garden #gardening #nature #flowers #birds #naturephotography #organic #life #knowledge #thenewleafproject (at Walton County) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoaXsftlHTk/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=39ujtrlb2ujw

[thenewleafproject]

I spent the day sowing seeds and transplanting starts. The garden is really coming along. It’s taken me almost two years to get to this point. Nothing that’s really worth it comes easy. Gardening is a reflection of life. You have to put the work in to get results. #jalepenos #bellpepper #organicgardening #organiclife #gardening #garden #permaculture #foodforest #life #thenewleafproject #hobby #greenbeans #swisschard #soil #botanicalgardens #flowers #mycology #biology #botany #florida #sunshinestate #subtropical #work (at Portland, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoYBnX3lmOU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=10wyqy4lbqsjo

[thenewleafproject]

A ship is safe at harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. #quotes #imagine #possible #dreams #goals #life #lifequotes #thenewleafproject #setsail #positivevibes #quote #ocean #courage #motivationalquotes #motivation #inspirationalquotes #inspire #persistence #quality (at Portland, Florida)

[thenewleafproject]

This flower is named Senetti Pericallis. It’s a relative of the daisy. This flower attracts many beneficial insects into your garden. When we plant a diversity of species in the garden, we are creating an abundance of habit for resilience against unwanted pests. It also adds plenty of beauty. #gardening #life #imaginethat #creative #blooms #companionplanting #foodforest #daisy #nature #pollinatorgarden #permaculture #florida #flowers #thenewleafproject #photography (at Portland, Florida)

[thenewleafproject]

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing. It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love for your dream for the adventure of being alive. It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon... I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow if you have been opened by life’s betrayals or have become shrivelled and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know if you can sit with pain mine or your own without moving to hide it, fade it or fix it. I want to know if you can be with joy mine or your own if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful to be realistic to remember the limitations of being human. It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself. If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul. If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy. I want to know if you can see Beauty even when it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from its presence. I want to know if you can live with failure yours and mine and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, “Yes.” It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair weary and bruised to the bone and do what needs to be done to feed the children. It doesn’t interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back. It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away. I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments. #joy #imagine #truth #thenewleafproject #quotes #adventure #love #life #beauty #daring #inspirationalquotes #light #dark #florida #philosophy (at Portland, Florida)