In a previous lifetime, Zia Gallina worked as a botanist for the National Parks Service, on the C&O Canal outside of Washington D.C. (lecturing on wild indigenous and naturalized medicinal and culinary plants). She was also an adjunct professor teaching biology and environmental science at American University, Washington D.C. But she has always been, first and foremost, a farmer and a champion of small-scale biointensive farming, tagging behind Mother Nature, trying to stay as close as she can get.
A Spring Equinox Fable
Spring affords a time to see things from a new perspective — our work, our families and friends, our passions and beliefs. The perfect time to re- examine our world. We can start over. A new beginning.
March 20, 2024
Farm like an ecosystem Part III: Wild farming
Seeing the farm as part of the entire ecosystem, not something separate from it, can ensure that a healthy balanced biodiversity remains.
March 12, 2024
Deep Winter Beauty
Deep winter has given me enough time to take a long pause to appreciate what I have. At this moment. Whatever I have right in front of me.
February 7, 2024
Winter solstice 2023
There is a wisdom to this time of the year. Perhaps by just sitting with the dark, the seeds of whatever I must do next will arrive on their own.
December 21, 2023
Welcoming the weeds: Farming like an ecosystem Part 2
Our weeds are just where they belong, in our fields, along our roads, in every compromised, degraded, or devastated ecosystem. Free food and medicine in our backyards. Essential for ecosystem restoration, perhaps they will also be essential for our future food and medicine.
December 12, 2023
In praise of my co-workers: (or – all I know about chickens in 12 parts)
The chickens I have known have never disappointed me. They are the cornerstone of my no-tech, no expense, off-the-grid farm backup system.
October 6, 2023