Mole Monthly: the Ultimate Guide to Loving Moles B y
S p e c i a l e d i t i o n J u s t i n e , E l l a , a n d a l i
This month’s content: · Read
about the mole! Soil organism of the year candidate!
Victory is near, learn about victory gardens inside! And more moles!
A p r i l , 2 013
Garden’s are a great place to have fun!
We love Descanso Gardens!
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M O L E M O N T H LY:
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Photo montage
Page 1 To weed or not to weed Page 15
Table of Contents
Page 2 Letters from the Editors Page 16
Organism of the Year
Page 3 Letters from the Editors Page 17
Organism of the Year con..
Page 4 Letters from the Editors Page 18
Poetry by Justine
Page 5 Victory Garden Poster
Poetry by Justine
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Poetry by Ella
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Poetry by Ella
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Poetry by Ali
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Poetry by Ali
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Poetry by Ali
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Poetry by Ali
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History of Arlington Gardens Page 13 Numbers: a poem
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Organism of the Year The mole is an extraordinary creature for many different reasons, which would make it the perfect recipient of the organism of the year award! Now, I get it, why should I care? Well, because moles play a huge part in the success of the grass ecosystem. First things first, to set the record straight they do not eat your grass roots, so calm down. In fact they eat worms, insects, and the things that eat your grass roots. Also, in case you’re worried about them ea ng your prized vegetable garden, I’ll tell you again: calm down. The average mole only eats 40 pounds of food a year. In case that’s not registering then you should know the average American eats 1,800 pounds of food a year, or 5 pounds a day. In fact mole tunnels actually help with aera on, providing your lawn with improved drainage, reducing soil compac on, and helping the nutrients get to your roots. Now before you go on and on about the mole hills, calm down, and quit making a mountain out of a molehill. See what I did there? Well, I did. Anyways, like I was saying, the mole hill is actually good. Stop for a moment and let it sink in. Are you done? Good, now, let me explain why. Now, you be er sit down because fain ng is going to hurt a lot more if you don’t. And remember, don’t kill the messenger. Alright, so hear me out, you can collect the soil that the mole hill has made. Are you s ll with me? I know what you’re thinking, do work? Actual work? Well, yes, that’s what I’m saying. So, as I was saying, if you collect the soil in a bucket or pan or whatever other device you’d like to use, you can plant things in that soil. I bet I know what you’re thinking: why would I do that? Well, that soil that you’ve just collected is basically the holy grail of soil. I say this because the soil taken from a mole hill makes an excellent loam (“rich, friable soil containing a rela vely equal mixture of sand and silt and a somewhat smaller propor on of clay” ) that’s free of clumps, stones, and any other unwanted things.
Now, to help you understand the mole a li le more, I’ll tell you about it. There are 42 recognized
species and only 7 are found on this con nent (most are found in great Britain not including Ireland and throughout rest of Europe and Asia). To put that in perspec ve there’s only one species of humans in the whole world. Also, moles can dig 65 feet of tunnel a day, which they dig with their long curved claws. How many feet of tunnel do you dig a day with your long curved claws? Probably none. And as to answer the ques on that I bet has been plaguing your mind as to where do they sleep? Well, I can tell you: since they are the only mammal to live their whole life underground (to be specific 99.9% of their lives) they line their larger chambers in the tunnel with dry grass for nes ng so the mole can rest. Also, remember how I said earlier what the mole ate. I bet you do, but if not, go check. Now, how they catch their prey is fascina ng, they have toxic saliva that paralyzes their small prey. Then they either take it back to basically a holding cell from they store it un l later consump on or eat it on the spot, some mes without bothering with the saliva. Now, since it is basically blind (it’s not completely blind but due to darkness in holes they have to rely on other senses) it finds it’s prey by sense of smell or touch. Also, mole Page 3
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tunnels have no entrance or exits which is fine by the mole since they’re solitary creatures, also mole hills are just dirt from excavated tunnels. The tunnels they dig with pre y much 6 fingers since they have a modified wrist bone that acts as another thumb. All in all these poor creatures spend up to three years of their life serv‐ ing others, especially humans like us, by digging up our lawns and crea ng subjec vely “ugly” mole hills. So, you’re welcome. Sincerely, The Mole Community
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Poetry
Arlington Gardens Sitting on a shady stone ledge beneath a tall tree, I close my eyes and gain access to a hidden world. Silently, I listen to birds as they speak to each other in their chirps and whistles. Time seems to stand still, and I focus on a further sound- far less attractive than that of the birds. Cars roar along some hidden road, reminding me of where I am. Next to me, bees hum to themselves as they gather pollen from a patch of flowers. Funneling my conscience into my curious fingers, I explore the area behind me and feel something as fuzzy and soft as the belly of a cat. Trailing my fingers downwards, I feel something else- a thin, bristly toothpick-like stalk, so brittle I could snap it in half with but a finger. Wondering what type of vegetation my fingers had come across, I inhaled deeply in that direction. The scent had a strong hint of lavender, and a fainter smell of baking soil. That moment, a breeze came and washed all of the scents away but it's own; it smelled of fresh clothes and running water. At last, I turn to my strongest sense- vision. Upon opening my eyes, the first thing I notice is a single blooming flower, unfolding it's petals in a struggle for survival amidst the barren and parched soil. Looking behind me, I immediately see a tall, pointed shrub that wavers in the light afternoon breeze. When I look to my right, I see a patch of lavender- the very flower I had smelled earlier! New buds are opening up and putting on a magnificent display of color. Finally, I turn my eyes to the far north, and behold majestic purple mountains, light glancing off of their many stony faces.
You don't need eyes to see.
-Justine Page 5
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Barbaric Yawp As we live out our lives, we take from the Earth We use its soil to grow our food; We use its water to nourish our people; And we use its resources to make shelters and other things for our own purposes
But, in the end, the Earth takes everything back Slowly but surely, everything returns to the soil From whence it came And one day, we will too
We will lie down in a hole And as time passes The Earth takes us, body as well as soul, And grows a new garden
-Justine
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Dirt Demys fied
Poetry
Above me are two bees playfully chasing each other. They weave through the tall tree looming over me; They part ways to collect the nectar from the small red flowers growing on a tree. As one leaves they begin chasing each other again. As they play together I can imagine them cha ering and laughing together. As they fly back to their nest I lean back in the chair And stare into the sky Looking for something to write about. Three birds fly over my head, Gracefully flu ering their wings. They flap their wings all at once, And fly away. I push the chair behind, I soundlessly walk towards a bush, Where a few bu erflies are gathered. They sense me and quickly flu er away.
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I walk to the next sta on, And begin examining more things.
Barbaric Yawp As I mix the wet soil with my hands, I see worms squirm Spiders crawl over small s cks And ants carry food
The soil I am using is compost soil The compost soil has humus Humus carries nutrients Which will help my strawberry plants grow
As I con nue mixing the the soil, I feel more connected to the Earth and nature Than a phone or a computer I realize I should spend more me With the Earth and nature. -Ella Page 8
Poetry Garden of the Angels By Ali If there are angels here, Does that make this heaven? Or just the garden of the angels? I ask because Above me I see angels. Extending their marble green wings to their full length, Giving birth to my refreshing shade. The angels are everywhere here, Expressing themselves through their glorious blends of colors, Telling me more in one glance then in 1,000 meaningless words. But you can’t have angels without demons. They sulk around and growl with their industrial cries, Hissing out their suffocating smoke, While stalking you with their eyes of fire. But the angels fight the bitter laughter, With their giggles that tinkle like wind chimes; That are a result from reaching out their wings, So that they unite their own feathers With those of their sisters and brothers. Tickling each other in a never ending game
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Of tag. Tell me, unlikely friend, Have you ever smelled an angel’s hand, The small childlike creatures are beings of their own.
They emit different smells to show the world who they ar Relentless lavender that fills your nose if they’re strong.
A meandering sage and eucalyptus smell that shows their osity. They smell like how they feel. But the scent that’s most amazing Is the air that the angels breathe in and out, Most glorious when they laugh. Because then, and only then, the air itself is magical, It becomes charged with an invisible electricity, That smells sweet, like life itself, Like untouched soil that’s walked on every day. The angels also have fingernails, Some sharp and some gentle. If you touch a certain one as I have, You might also be struck With the sharp blade-like point, That sends a shock through your body, Of pain passing through. But calm down,
It passes. And the angels mean no harm. After all, How else would they protect themselves?
Humans can’t even do that with each other. Is it wrong I see them for what they truly are? Holy entities whose life purpose is to
From things like the people to your right?
serve.
The non-believers,
Do all creatures have the potential to be
Who don’t believe in what is right before their eyes.
angels?
They don’t see the angels,
Do humans?
They see each other,
Probably.
Or rather look at each other.
Maybe I should ask the angels.
They don’t hear the angels’ song,
Then again, we probably don’t,
Or hold the angels’ hands.
Just ask the people to my right.
But can you blame them? Human beings are simple-minded creatures, Who cannot be blamed for things as petty, As say, caring about something other than themselves. Can I blame them? For seeing the angels as trees? But even as trees they are magnificent, They are mothers, children, and caretakers, All at once; All they do is serve and give. They feed and house completely different species, And live amongst them in harmony,
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Poetry Barbaric Yawp! By Ali Earth, wind, and fire, The three elements that connect us all. The three elements that connect us to our friends, And to our enemies. The same soil we walk on,
Beneath our feet. Or the carefree wisps of wind, That laugh by our faces. The three work together, Brothers and sisters, Connected to each other, As much as we are connected to them, And as much as they connect us to each other.
Is walked on by everyone else. The air we breathe out, Will be breathed in by someone else. And then there is the fire, The fire that burns bright, And let us us see in the consuming dark. The fire is truth. It consumes and destroys, But is still somehow beautiful. We can admire the graceful dancers, As they bring light to nature’s most beautiful creations. Without the fire, We could not appreciate the earth and the air. The sturdiness of soil,
Earth; The one thing that belongs to no one. It is as much ours As all the other species we share it with. The plants, Who root themselves deep beneath our feet, Living harmoniously alongside us, Without us even knowing it. These self-sufficient creatures Live right underneath us, And we don’t pay them a second thought. As we grow, So do they, Extending their roots,
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Farther and farther.
That makes us value all we have.
Growing up in a much more meaningful way.
The fire can take what it wants,
Plants have no age,
Leaving us empty handed,
And as we embrace them
Should it wish.
As a part of us,
Some live in fear of the fire.
We become as timeless as them.
While others embrace it Realizing that we must try to understand
Air;
That without the fire
The string that connects everything.
We would not value what we have,
The air you breathe out,
And not understand that nothing is truly ours.
May be breathed in by a plant.
It makes you understand
And then the air they shall breathe out,
That everything you “own,”
Will be breathed in by another,
Actually belongs to everyone.
Bringing us all together
No one man ever truly owns anything,
In an unseen divine way.
It’s an illusion,
The wind that blows past me,
Because it can be taken at any moment,
Blows past my friends, and family.
Showing it is actually owned by those three ele-
And in that way we are all the same. One essence in many bodies, Making us the same as our friends, And enemies. Making us all one With everything else.
Fire;
ments. The three elements that work together, Brothers and sisters, Connected to each other, As much as we are connected to them, And as much as they connect us to each other.
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Arlington Gardens Ella
The Arlington Garden used to be the most elegant and largest house in Southern California. In 1902, John Durand purchased half a block of the Arlington Heights, in Millionaires Row, Pasadena. Later a team of workmen constructed a tropical paradise in front of the mansion. The tropical paradise had palms, cacti, roses, and chrysanthemums. In the back was a small orange grove. Along Arlington Drive a Cherokee rose bush extended all the way to Orange Grove. The family owned the property until John Durand III died in 1960. After all of their furniture and art was sold, in 1961 the house was demolished. Now plants are being planted and more red sandstone has been found, which can be a reminder of Pasadena’s Millionare Row.
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Numbers 10 tiger worms crawling an inch a hour 9 New petals on a budding flower 8 Weeds to pull under the hot summer sun 7 Midges attacking the students as they run 6 Pebbles amidst a large dirt clump found 5 Acorn shells littering the ground 4 hours of gardening and adding to the compost bin 3 Types of soil to grow little plants in 2 Different buses against each other to race 1 Of you, to make the world a better place -Justine Martin
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To Weed or not to Weed By Ali I want to imagine a garden. The type of garden that is based in an empty lot, and the only living thing is the one tree, you, and the weeds. I tell you this because on a fateful day I went to a community garden and was given the opportunity to weed this alittle-less-then-fine establishment. But, being the team player I was, I weeded anyways. Now, I’m going to share with you a secret, the real reason we were there: free and legal child labor, otherwise known as… volunteering. Now, as I bent down amongst these stubborn creatures and put my ungloved hand at the base of these weeds and wiggled and pulled until it was free of the soil and threw it onto and every growing pile. It was simple enough: bend, wiggle, pull, throw, and repeat. Within a good 10 minutes most weeds in the center of the lot were gone and people were branching off. Not me, I bent and stayed to make sure all the weeds were gone. I was nothing if not persistent. Anyways, after another five minutes there was no point in staying, we’d done more in 20 minutes then this people had done in two years. Probably not actually, but it’s hard not to be bitter when they cut into our precious lunch time. But I weeded their garden, occasionally pulling out dirt clumps larger then Ella. It was because of this fact (and the spiders) and that I was less then excited to uncover the critters of the dirt, that I was faced with the question: to weed or not to weed. I bet you can imagine my moral dilemma. Weed and deal with dirt, work, bugs, ect, or not weed at all and chill. It was pretty easy decision, not weed. But unfortunately, based on the fact my moral compass more or Page 15
less points north I decided the former was perhaps the best choice and did my community a great service.
Letter From the Editors
Over the period of time known as the Soil Unit, l learned many new things and got to do many new things as well. How often does one get to make their own seed bombs, or visit numerous gardens in the time span of about a week? A few challenges were involved as well, but that only keeps things interesting. However, the highlights of this unit were when I overcame those challenges, and accomplished things I never knew I could before, like several visually pleasing works of art. My class learned a lot of new things in this unit. For example, did you know that moles have acidic saliva? Also, we learned about victory gardens and how to grow our own garden. The average American meal has to travel 1500 miles to reach us. Think of how much fuel that uses for the whole country! Another random but interesting fact is that worms love naturally sweet things like watermelon and fennel, but hate citrus and other acidic foods. Instead of eating the food itself, they eat the mold that forms as the food decomposes. The best part of the trip was definitely the action involved in the whole thing. We got to visit the Desconzo Gardens, the Arlington Gardens, and we even got to mess around in the school gardens. Over these trips, we did things like go hiking, pull weeds, plant native flowers, and much more. It was hot, dirty, and sweaty at times, but we pulled through all right. Planting herb gardens and rain gardens was rewarding in and of itself because of how beautiful they will surely be in a few months. When I look back upon this unit, I will experience some very pleasant memories. It was interesting, enjoyable, and even fun. I hope to do more fun units like this one later on in my education. -Justine Page 16
Letter from the Editors
The Soil Unit has helped me learn more about soil, compost, moles, and victory gardens. Learning about soil interested me the most. There are three types of soil: silt, sand, and clay. Silt can be found in the United States and other urban areas, sand is found in beaches, and clay is found in deserts. I also learned that the soil is just as important as air and water. We depend on soil to help create food for us and animals. Without soil organisms would not be able to live, buildings would not be supported, and there would be no homes for wild animals. I also learned soil is made of three different layers of soil. At the bottom is horizon c. Next is horizon b and at the top is topsoil. Topsoil contains decomposed organic material called humus which helps plant grow. The end result of compost is humus. I also learned that there are organisms that help the soil. While researching my organism of the year, the mole, I learned that the mole will make molehills with the best soil. This soil has no rocks or twigs. It is also the richest soil. I also learned that a victory garden is a community garden that helps people grow food during hard times. Victory gardens were first started
in
World War 1. Victory gardens also help the environment. Instead of having your food flown 1500 miles away to your house, you can walk or drive to a victory garden to pick food. Page 17
-Ella
Congratulations, you’ve made it to the end of my journey. I hope it wasn’t too boring, it’s funny how things you learn and love may not interest others as much as you might think. I hope you don’t get too nostalgic for my journey. Although this one is done I will have more. Maybe this one isn’t even done yet, but rather just beginning. Nothing you learn should have an end, and this whole experience was one giant learning experience. On the first night we were given a quote to think about, little did I know I’d think about it throughout the whole soil unit and that it’d follow me home into my home even without my meaning for it too. I thought about it when I ate lunches that weren’t as…eco-friendly. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong but this unit had very little to do with soil and was actually about all living things, and using the common denominator (soil) as perfect excuse to talk about them. Soil connects everything; there is not one creature or thing on this planet that does not use soil in some way. In science, when we collected soil samples that were no more then a pinch of dirt we learned that there were multiple living species even in that tiny amount! Then each group of three honed in on one specific animal that benefits the soil. Luckily, I got the mole and that gorgeous creature was fascinating and fun on levels that only people who personally got to know the creature would understand. Also, I think my experience with the Arlington gardens was the kind that you keep with you for your whole life, and if not for that long then you’ll keep it with you for a while. Everything we did there I loved: when we went through the labyrinth the feeling of ultimate serenity that I managed to achieve was indescribable, and having the opportunity to write poetry in an environment like that unique and perhaps once in a lifetime. Either way this was definitely the highlight for my whole soil unit experience. Throughout this whole experience I’ve learned more then I can say and I won’t bore you with bothering to try explaining it all. I think I’d rather leave you with an experience of your own. Imagine your walking through a maze, and as you walk you think about every little thought, worry, and/or fear that’s plagued your mind and might still be. And the more you walk the higher the worries pile up and you start to panic a little. But then, nothing. You feel nothing, but not in a bad way, more like you’re no longer worried about anything and even though you know you’ll have to sort these things out later you know that right now you are completely and utterly… free. With much love, Ali
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