January 16, 2025
Yesterday, It was raining, and Sequel was quiet and soaking in delightly rainwater. It was a great time to look closely; I was struck by the vibrant community of Redseed plantains flourishing beneath the canopy of trees. Under trees is usually an area where plants struggle to find their footing. However, This Redseed, who I am more familiar with amidst neglected landscapes and cracked sidewalks, bursts with life around these trees. It's as though the earth itself has decided to paint a masterpiece of resilience and beauty with these tiny, tenacious greens. The sight is a comfort, a reminder of nature's ability to reclaim and regenerate.
Here it is in early January. We have had one cold spell and expect another next week. The plantain leaves measure four inches tall; their bright green broad leaves blanket the area like you might expect in the spring. They mimic a verdant duvet that, for now, remains unassuming but undeniably beautiful.
To an unsuspecting eye, these plants may seem inconsequential. Yet, with a bit of research, I've discovered their incredible significance. They are the unsung heroes, supporting a diverse array of wildlife. The Redseed plantain is more than just foliage; it offers sustenance to bobwhite quail, Rio Grande wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, cattle, and the Texas tortoise. The seeds serve as nourishment for game birds like scaled quail, bobwhite quail, and mourning doves. These plants are also invaluable to insects, providing habitat and sustenance to many, including the stunning Buckeye butterflies that graced this space on January 3rd.
This living tapestry serves another crucial purpose in the conservation of our environment. Redseed plantain is a remarkable ally in our efforts to combat erosion. Its fibrous roots delve deep into the earth, breaking through compacted soil, stabilizing it, and helping to restore its vitality. This is nature’s foundation: a grassroots effort exemplified by these short tap roots, acting as first responders in reviving hardened ground.
The site I am cultivating, La Mancha's Sequel: A Mindful, Climate-Smart Urban Landscape, is meant to be a testament to our potential for harmonious coexistence with nature. The project spans 7,500 square feet, a social sculpture intended to demonstrate how thoughtful decisionsn making interwoven with nature can create regenerative environments. As I chronicle the daily developments here, each entry becomes a dialogue between myself and the land, a continuous exchange that shapes both the space and my understanding of it.
Observing the Redseed plantains, thriving against the odds, I am filled with a deep sense of reverence and wonder. They remind me that even the most unassuming forces can make a profound impact. In this interplay of plant and purpose, I find inspiration for what La Mancha's Sequel can become—a living sculpture that speaks to the possibilities of urban landscapes, rich with life, responsive to climate, a mindful corner of the world where nature and humanity flourish side by side.
Pink spotted Hawkmoth cacoon overwintering in the roots.
Redseed roots with a sprig of horseherb and the cacoon.