*culture is not optional

Gardening lessons

by Carol Vande Kraats

A series of columns travels through the seasons of nature and of life.

Here on earth

by Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma

The memory of yards captured in photographs recalls a journey of inherited wonder.

Outdoor heart

by Zena Neds-Fox

Deconstructing garden admiration reveals a longing for self expression.

Black gold

by Denise Frame Harlan

The discipline of composting makes a garden grow.

Unwinding under the weeping willow

by Raymond Blanton

On cultivating a space to relax with family and friends.

How much is that doggie in the window (arf, arf)

by Raymond Blanton

A review of Mike White’s film Year of the Dog.

Diamond in the Rough

by Amy Nonhof

Taraxacum

by Neil E. Das

Secret Base

by Ju-Jajuba

The delusions of a "single-family dwelling"

by Paul Hansen

A morning in the back yard with Squirt the cat reveals the community of nature.

Holy drinking

by Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma

On learning by observation how to defeat death with a cold beer.

More than passing

by Gwen DiPietro

On one particular hobby that flourishes in all conditions.

Garret

by Carol Vande Kraats

Sometimes our neighbor really is the person right across the lane.

Yards for Kids

University of Northern Iowa

The resourceful web site of an organization committed to making yards safer for children through reduction in the use of pesticides and herbicides.

Tilling Word and Land

Sojourners Magazine

Wendell Berry on the relationship between his farming work and his writing.

Rx for Excess

Books & Culture

Andy Crouch presents some good news on the Church’s efforts to go green.