Fall Update and the 2027 Horizon

This season in particular is one where I feel the breath of Spring on my neck even while the leaves of Autumn begin to drop. Dreams of new seeds splitting, their cotyledon emerging out of a rich, moist soil. Earth Day celebrations, presentations and workshops, henbit serving nectar to the first emerging insects across green spaces and the purple blooms of a redbud tree breaking along thin bark.

White Fawnlily (Erythronium albidum) at Chandler Park, Spring 2026.

But this current season still has great bounty left between the pages of the calendar and is the source of where I intended to make the Spring of my daydreams take root. This is in part due to a resurgence of direction for the organization, Mosaic Gardens, that commits to operations that focus on environmental education, restoration and equity programs. What comes from this throughout all new seasons will be a reflection of this mission. This includes our first native plant grant opportunity opening in early 2027 made possible with plants and support from The Painted Prairie (https://paintedprairienursery.com/).

Sarah, owner of The Painted Prairie, provided native plants, support and expertise to allow the Spring 2027 Native Plant Grant to come to life. Visit the website to learn more and purchase incredible plants from a local business.

I did not think that it would be a short (long) eight years from the first compost bucket I picked up on a bicycle that the mission of Mosaic Gardens would continue into something new. I didn’t expect that seven years from the first garden beds we built that these small environments we steward would be habitats for wildlife and well hearts. And only six months after receiving our first grant from Wild Green Future, the path is set for reciprocity.

These were raised garden bed boxes for Mosaic Gardens, reclaimed from a manufacturing company. These served us well, though they taught many valuable lessons.

Nature does not make waste and healthy ecosystems support reciprocal systems of exchange so that the whole is served through each environmental constituent’s role. As an organization, it is our belief that serving both people and ecosystems through native plant restoration and environmental education can improve the quality of life for both exponentially through reciprocity. 

Support our work by planting native plants, attending workshops, volunteering with local conservation organizations or donating seeds. Look for more information about this opportunity and other updates soon. We will provide all relevant details for the grant in early 2027. 

Yours in Gratitude,

Patrick

The image in the title is a species of Blazing Star (Liatris) observed at the Gloss Mountains, OK. October, 2026

My students made DIY paintbrushes and watercolors from reclaimed and natural materials. October 2026. Whatever season this is, it looks like a nice one.