Working With and Learning From Nature
Episode 118: Do Plants Know More Than We Think? Can plants learn? Do they have memory? Can they make decisions? In this episode, Monica Gagliano, Research Associate Professor of Evolutionary Ecology at the University of Western Australia, talks about her research with plants. Monica has…
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Episode 16: In this episode we talk about Kalo or Taro, Colocasia esculenta. To learn about this staple of the Hawaiian diet, we visit the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens located in Kahului on the island of Maui. At Maui Nui, we speak with Tamara Sherrill and John…
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Episode 15: Loren Luyendyk has been working with Mulberry Trees for over 15 years. In this episode Loren talks about why more people should be growing this incredibly versatile plant. Did you know that Mulberry Trees can adapt to almost any soil type? That…
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Episode 114: In this episode, we talk about the weeds that surround us with forager, chef, writer, and plant lover Katrina Blair. Author of the book The Wild Wisdom of Weeds, 13 Essential Plants for Human Survival Katrina talks about the wild integrity of weeds, their…
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Episode 113: Melanie and Jeff Carpenter are medicinal herb farmers. The co-owners of Zack Woods Farm, a 30 acre organic farm and botanical sanctuary located in the green mountains of Vermont, Jeff and Melanie grow over 50 species of medicinal plants. In this episode, they…
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Chaya (Cnidoscolus chayamansa) commonly called Tree Spinach is a very nutritious plant with high protein, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins. Reaching 3 meters (10 feet high) Chaya has maple-shaped leaves that are delicious steamed or cooked. Chaya is resistant to disease and pests, is highly productive,…
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Episode 110: My guest for this episode is Zea mays, also known as Corn. In this exclusive interview Corn speaks about its long history, its beginning as a wild grass, and how humans and corn have influenced each other. Corn also talks about hybridization, propagation,…
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Plant Report Episode 11: Moringa is called the Miracle Tree and after listening to this episode, you’ll know why! Native to Africa and Asia, Moringa offers a plethora of benefits. Fast and easy to grow in the right climate (tropical and sub-tropical), Moringa is…
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Episode 109: Growing Moringa oleifera is like growing a botanical apothecary. Most parts of the plant are edible, medicinal, and useful. In this Sustainable World Radio Podcast episode, organic farmer and Moringa grower Mariko Gifford talks about the plant that has become her life work. In…
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Mano Farm is quiet, lush, and beautiful. It’s also home to All Good Things Organic Seeds, the only organic seed company in Southern California. Last month, I met with the farm’s co-founder Justin Huhn to talk about seeds, seed saving, organic farming and plants…
Episode 91: Justin Huhn is an organic farmer and an impassioned seed grower and plant lover. Certified in Permaculture Design, Justin cares deeply about organic farming, sustainability and subsistence. Co-creator of Mano Farm and All Good Things Organic Seeds Justin provides organic food and seeds locally…
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Episode 88: In this interview, fiber and dye expert Rebecca R. Burgess shares her techniques for growing and harvesting color. Burgess talks about her favorite dye plants and the impact that chemical dyes have on the environment. Plants, minerals, and insects can yield brilliant,…
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Episode 77: Rebecca Burgess is an ecological restoration educator, author, and textile artist. Rebecca is the founder of the Fibershed Project; a year-long challenge to live in clothes made from fibers sourced within 150 miles from her home. In this episode, Rebecca explains what a…
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Episode 64: Interview with herbalist, author, and teacher Kami McBride about the power of plants and ways to integrate herbal medicine into your daily life. Kami speaks about some of her favorite herbs, the perils of plant poaching, and how to be sure that…
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