FIELD NOTES & BLOG

Christina M. Selby Christina M. Selby

Field Notes from the Jemez & Sangre de Cristo Mountains

A field note from the mountains of northern New Mexico exploring how the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains can exist at similar elevations yet hold entirely different ecological rhythms. Through years of hiking and living in the Jemez, I’ve come to see how wildflowers, soil, fire, and monsoon patterns shape not just landscapes, but the language of plants themselves—and how those differences ultimately become the foundation of my botanical art practice.

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Christina M. Selby Christina M. Selby

Hildegard of Bingen and The Greenest Branch

The Greenest Branch is a collection of richly green, vibrant, foliage collected in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico. Ferns, mayflower, strawberry, and other leaves with beautiful forms make up this collection. I’ve brought all these plants together into one collection inspired by a 12th century woman ahead of her time…

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Christina M. Selby Christina M. Selby

5 Books that Show How Botany can be a Thrilling Adventure

When most people think of botany, the scientific study of plants, they imagine serene greenhouses, quiet herbariums, or researchers hunched over microscopes in tranquil labs. While these settings are undoubtedly part of the discipline, they only scratch the surface. Here are five of my favorite reads that combine the beauty of plants with the thrill of exploration. From expeditions into uncharted territories to unraveling the secrets of plant life, these books capture the spirit of adventure in botany and will have you looking at this science in a whole new light.

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Christina M. Selby Christina M. Selby

New Collection: Plants for Spiritual Protection

Throughout history and across various cultures, wildflowers have been valued not only for their beauty and medicinal properties but also for their spiritual and symbolic meanings. In many traditions, certain wildflowers have been believed to possess protective qualities, especially in warding off evil spirits, bad luck, or negative energy. These flowers, often rooted in ancient folklore, were thought to protect individuals and households from malevolent forces, creating a shield of positive energy and purity,

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Christina M. Selby Christina M. Selby

Nature’s Resilience: Wildflowers That Respond to Wildfire

Wildfires are a natural part of many ecosystems, especially in regions like California, the Mediterranean, and parts of Australia. While these fires can devastate landscapes especially with the exacerbation of climate change, they also serve an important ecological function: clearing old growth, returning nutrients to the soil, and making space for new life. One of the most remarkable responses to fire is seen in wildflowers—delicate, colorful blooms that have evolved to thrive in the aftermath of fire.

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