Landscaping with a greener state of mind
By Martin Smith January 11, 2008 San Miguel de Allende

Lecture Landscaping with Cacti and Succulents Martin Smith, curator of plants, El Charco del Ingenio Wed, Jan 16, 9:30am 70 pesos members, 100 for nonmembers Reserve: nzerriffi@yahoo.com

Since arriving back in San Miguel six weeks ago, I have been encouraged to see a growing environmental awareness reflected in the contents of Atención. The practical information given in these articles, such as where to recycle our household waste, use grey water and make our own compost is vital if we are to make an impact on the ever-worsening environmental crisis.

In this crisis, water comes near the top of the list, particularly here in San Miguel. Increasing groundwater extraction is having a negative effect on the local environment, drying up of most of the natural springs in and around the town, with knock-off effects for the Rio Laja. In addition, it is increasingly difficult and expensive to drill ever deeper in search of fresh water supplies.

If we are to continue to enjoy the benefits of fresh water on tap, it is vital that we have to reduce our consumption. One way that we can help is by changing the way we garden. Here at the Botanical Garden, we promote the idea of low- and no-water use gardens, using native, drought-resistant trees, shrubs, cacti and succulents. Not only do these plantings look good all year round, but they are great for the local wildlife and, once established, need little or no further irrigation. With a garden like that, who needs a green lawn?

As part of this promotion, El Charco del Ingenio is holding a talk and demonstration to demonstrate the benefits of this type of gardening, suitable plants to use, design aspects, soils and ground preparation, planting tips and aftercare. The session is programmed to last about one hour, but those who wish to stay longer to chat and learn more are welcome to do so.

Meet at the main entrance to the gardens by 9:20am please. Reserve a space at nzerriffi@yahoo.com. 

The ballgame to end all ballgames

Lecture Series
Ancient Cultures of Mexico: Part II
Prof. Guillermo Méndez
Wed, Jan 16, 3pm
Teatro Santa Ana
Biblioteca Pública
Insurgentes 25
50 pesos

There are several ancient cultures of Mexico whose names are fairly well-known: Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec, Aztec, Olmec and Toltec. Less known, perhaps, is the Classic Veracruz culture which flourished from about AD 100 to 900. The Classic Veracruz had a unique art style which revealed itself in yokes, palmas and hachas, stone-carved ritual objects associated with the Mesoamerican ball game, a ball game that frequently ended with the sacrifice of the players. Not all the players, of course, but—what would you guess—the winners or the losers? The Classic Veracruz culture’s interest in the ball game was extraordinary. Most architectural sites of the ancient cultures had one to three ball courts. El Tajín, the major site of the Classic Veracruz civilization, had eleven!

The Classic Veracruz culture along with the Maya, Zapotec and Mixtec are the focus of a lecture entitled Ancient Cultures of Mexico, Part II. The lecture’s purpose is to aid those interested in distinguishing between the various cultures.

Each culture has a defining characteristic or phenomenon associated with it that sets it apart from the others. There are also images of art and architecture that differentiate and distinguish each of the cultures. The lecture will be illustrated with over 200 digital images that reveal the uniqueness and beauty of the ancient cultures of Mexico. The lecturer is Guillermo Méndez, retired Professor of Humanities and San Miguel resident.