Mopa Mopa Plant: From Rainforest to Artwork

Welcome!

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! On a recent trip, I learned about yet another amazing plant and the fascinating history behind it. Mopa Mopa tree (scientific name Elaeagia pastoensis) is native to the higher elevation, humid rainforests in southwestern Colombia where the Andes meet the Amazon. Hardy in USDA zones 10-11, it can reach 13 to 32 feet in height and is very difficult to find or cultivate outside its native region. Mopa Mopa belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which is the same botanical family which includes coffee, and the resin of the tree is the essential material behind Barniz de Pasto, or Pasto varnish, one of Colombia’s most distinctive traditional art forms. 

Mopa Mopa Tree Artwork

The material prized by artisans is concentrated around the plant's developing leaf buds and shoots. A resinous substance accumulates around these tender growing portions, forming a protective coating. Harvesters pick the sticky leaf buds and shoots of the tree, then the material is heated in water, softened, worked and cleaned until all the unwanted plant material has been removed. As the remaining material is heated, it becomes soft, pliable and elastic. Traditionally the artisans would stretch it by hand or with their teeth into paper-thin, glowing sheets.

The Process (Photo Credit: The Mask Aruba)

Modern workshops now use mechanical methods for some portions of the process, but the fundamental knowledge remains similar. Considerable skill is required because the material must remain warm and flexible without becoming unusable. The resin can occur naturally in shades ranging from yellowish to green; however, once processed the colors can be amplified before being cut and inlayed onto carved wood objects. The artisan places the colored resin over a wooden object and cuts the material with a sharp knife. Extremely fine cuts can produce leaves, flowers, birds, animals, geometric forms and elaborate scrolling patterns. Although the finished objects may look like lacquer, Mopa Mopa is something quite different. 

Mopa Mopa Artwork

Mopa mopa is not a recent discovery. Archaeological and historical evidence indicates that related resins have been used by Indigenous peoples in the region for more than a thousand years. The material had a number of uses besides for decoration. Historical evidence indicates that Mopa Mopa and related resins could serve as adhesives, sealants and protective coatings. It was also used in other ceremonial and decorative applications. The art is not simply a reflection of decorative style. It represents the survival, evolution and knowledge surrounding a particular plant, its environment and its extraordinary physical properties. 

Mopa Mopa Artwork

Symbols & Colors: In Mopa Mopa artwork, each symbol and color has a meaning. While circles represent totality (earth, wind, fire and water), rebirth and wealth, tears symbolize the elimination of sorrow and pain, while flowers bring peace, love and tranquility. Yellow symbolizes the power of the sun, red is for wisdom, green represents nature and the color blue is the representation of the cosmos and air, bringing tranquility, peace and health. 

The Mopa Mopa tree faces serious threats of decline due to deforestation, regional development, and climate change in southwest Colombia and today very few master artisans remain. On December 16, 2020 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognized the need to safeguard this tradition and declared Mopa Mopa art a "Cultural Heritage of Humanity". The story of the Mopa Mopa tree is a reminder that art can be forever intertwined with nature.

Connect With Me 🌼

It's time to plan your garden! Visit my Author Page 👈to learn about and purchase my books, each one focusing on different aspects of gardening, including landscape ideas, design principles, gardening by month for all-season interest, gardening tips and maintenance, shade gardening, gardening inspiration, indoor gardening and more. 

Also, check out my newsletter Northeastern Gardening News for monthly updates all to do with gardening! It's free to subscribe or you can pledge a donation to show support for my work, or upgrade to receive extra perks monthly right into your inbox!

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Until we Meet Again...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee Miller @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up December: Into the Garden We Go!

Welcome!

Welcome to my December Long Island garden and I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season! As the months go by quickly, we saw our first silvery white flakes of snow falling from the sky on November 28th. It lasted about fifteen minutes, but was the first snow for the season (technically) and brought a smile to my face. Since then, the temperatures have been in the 40's and low 50's during the day and we have had several nights hitting the freezing mark. The Winter Solstice will be upon us in just less than a week, and the garden still has much to show. Join me for a stroll!

Back Raised Island Bed

Of course you have probably heard the latest news. Long Island is now hardiness zone 7b, up from 7a, as many areas in the U.S. have shifted approximately five degrees warmer. Not that it makes much of a difference as to which plants to buy, it does reflect the changes in seasons we have been experiencing over the past several years. I don't mind it a bit, as it seems that I have more time to play in the garden before it gets super cold. First stop are the hydrangeas in the raised island bed. Even though their blooms are well passed, I still enjoy the dried flower heads until they blow off during the winter.

Dwarf Maiden Grass Fall-Wintertime

Here in the pool border is Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima'. The dried plumes do give some interest to the fall-winter garden. Here is a tip: If you are going to cut back your grasses, do not cut them all the back as it can put the crown of the plant in jeopardy when the deep freezing temperatures come. Either leave them be, cut only part way or tie back with a bungee cord. As far as Lilyturf and Sedges, do not cut them back now as it can harm the plant! Wait until spring to tidy them up.

Dwarf Cryptomeria and Nandina 'Obsession'

An interesting plant that I added to the garden a few years back is this Nandina 'Obsession' It is a dwarf, variety that does not spread by seed or produce berries, and the pinkish-red color of its foliage is magnificent! Here it is along with Dwarf Cryptomeria

Weeping White Pine Seed Cones

Have you seen an abundance of pine cones this season? I have. Some say that it is the plant's way of preparing for a harsh winter...time will tell.

Montauk Daisy Fall Color

The fall and winter seasons do have their beauty. We just have to pass by these Montauk Daisy's, which are obviously done for the season, but I do enjoy the color of their leaves this time of year...

Montauk Daisy Seed Heads

and the seed heads are also good for the birds.

Azalea 'Girard's Fuschia' Fall Foliage

Here is Azalea Girard's Fuschia. It's foliage turns to this glorious purple hue in the fall and wintertime.

Red Pine and Ajuga 'Black Scallop'

Ajuga 'Black Scallop' lasts throughout most of the winter as well with its deep purplish-black foliage.

Red Pine and Juniper 'Gold Strike'

Along the patio border is Red Pine 'Low Glow' and Juniper 'Gold Strike', and along with them is Garden Gal who has been repositioned in the revamped garden with her basket of trailing Creeping Jenny.

Osmanthus 'Goshiki' and Garden Gal!

I'm not sure if the Creeping Jenny is going to make it through the winter in this planter. It is an experiment in progress. If not, perhaps I will go back to the Black Mondo Grass, which did well for some time, or perhaps some annuals! 

Stachys (Lamb's Ear)

A perennial for all season interest is Stachys, or Lamb's Ear. I love its fluffy white foliage which persists throughout the majority of the winter!

Nellie Stevens Holly Berries

In the shade border, the bright red berries of Nellie Steven's Holly add some interest too!

Japanese Skimmia Fall-Winter

Also in the back shade border is Japanese Skimmia. Helpful Tip: Skimmia are dioecious, meaning there are both male and female plants, so both a male and female shrub must be present for the female to produce flowers and ornamental berries in fall. 

Wildlife Visitors

The birds are certainly enjoying the new feeder set up, as you can see it needs refilling again, and we have a photo moment! While the sparrows will often tolerate me getting close, the cardinals are more shy and rarely allow me to get close enough to photograph them. This one actually stayed long enough for a photo shoot! 

Leucothoe 'Axillaris' Fall-Winter

In the same garden is Leucothoe 'Axillaris'. The edges of its foliage displays a nice tinge of burgundy this time of year...

Tea time!

and in the newly revamped patio garden, here is the welcoming committee sharing some tea time.

Indoor Blooms: Moth Orchid and Thanksgiving Cactus

"While the weather outside is frightful (well almost) and inside it's so delightful", here is what is blooming indoors.

Seasonal Planter

Last, but not least is this new seasonal planter I just created for the front porch. It is a combination of  Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Cypress 'Moonlit', Cypress' Goldcrest' and Osmanthus 'Goskiki' in a whisky barrel planter of Acacia wood, with a little touch of Wintergreen for the holidays. 

Thanks for Visiting!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my December garden. I so appreciate you being here, look forward to your comments and look forward to seeing what you have growing in your garden. Special thanks go out to our hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens, who makes it possible to see blooms on the 15th of every month with her meme Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day. Also, special thanks to Pam Penick at Digging who had hosted Foliage Follow-Up, a meme I will continue to honor. I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Floral Friday Fotos, Friday Bliss at Floral Passions, Macro Monday 2, Mosaic Monday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf, Nature Notes at Rambling Woods, Image-in-ing weekly photo share every Tuesday with NC Sue and Gardens Galore Link Up Party every other Monday with Everyday Living. I am also happy to join the Weekly Photo Link-Up at My Corner of the World on Wednesdays and Garden Affair at Jaipur Garden. Wishing all a joyous, peaceful and healthy holiday season!

 Plan your Garden for Next Spring or Give the Perfect Holiday Gift:  My Books!

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener 

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden

and my newest addition,

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2023. All rights reserved. 

Exciting News!-Book Launching: Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener

Book Launching-Dream, Garden, Grow!

I am very excited to announce the release of my newest book Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener. Wanting to share my experiences with readers on a more personal level, I dug down into my deepest thoughts and started to write a story about life, following dreams, growing up as a gardener and growing along with the garden. Dream, Garden, Grow will take you on a journey down life's many paths, making you smile and laugh, while teaching some gardening information along the way.

Chapter 5: Confessions of a Gardening Addict

Read and learn about the many medicinal uses of plants, garden folklore, gardening through the seasons and moon gardening. Discover changing trends in gardening and learn the folklore behind sunflowers and dragonflies, as their meaning and cultural history are explored. Learn about gardening tips tried and true and laugh your way through what constitutes a gardening addict, garden jargon and the mystery behind the infamous garden gnome. Dream, Garden Grow will be sure to both educate and amuse.

Chapter 8: There's No Place Like Gnome

While writing Dream, Garden, Grow, I realized that I really had been destined to be a gardener all my life and I admit that I am happiest and most at peace when surrounded by all things green. The proof was there in generations before and in the paths I had followed. Composing this book has been very special to me and I hope that my stories will bring back fond memories for my readers, perhaps bring a smile to your face and teach something new. Come along on my journey!

About the Book:

Lee Miller is proud to share her latest publication, Dream, Garden, Grow, a collection of musings as she shares her memories of childhood and how she grew to become a lifetime gardener. Packed with stories about life, gardening, medicinal uses of plants, garden folklore, seasonal interest, sustainable and indoor gardening, you’ll laugh and learn as you explore what makes a gardening addict and the meaning behind mysterious gnomes and garden fairies. While exploring, also learn about moon gardens, witty garden jargon and tried and true gardening tips. Whether you are a gardener or not, have a “green thumb” or “brown”, Lee’s stories will not only entertain and amuse but will teach you inspiring gardening pointers along the way. 

About the Author:

Lee Miller is a landscape/garden designer, consultant and garden blog author from the south shore of Long Island, who has been involved in the horticultural industry for over twenty years. Her award-winning gardening blog features over 250 articles on general gardening, landscape design principles, gardening tips, planting, pruning, garden maintenance, feature plants and more. In addition, Lee Miller has donated her time as a contributing writer for the American Heart Association Gardening Blog, as well as Gardening Know How, and has been involved as a presenter at local gardening clubs. Lee is the author of two books, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening and Landscape Design Combinations, each sharing her experiences and know-how as a seasoned gardener. With trowel in hand since the age of five, her passion for gardening continues to grow.

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener is available on Amazon (Click Here) in either paperback or kindle format. I hope you enjoy it!

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,©Copyright 2018. All rights reserved

Gifts For Gardeners- A Suggested List!

The holidays are around the corner and if you know anyone who is an avid gardener they would surely appreciate a thoughtful gardening gift.  

Friends ask me all the time "What can I get for someone who is a gardener?"  I always have so much fun helping them out that I figured I'd share some ideas.  Here is a list of gifts a gardener could love! 

If you can think of any others please add them along!   Let's see how many we can come up with!

Also check out the wonderful poem that I just ran across.  Written by MARIANNE BINETTI it is every gardener's dream!  Thank you Marianne!



HERE WE GO...GIFTS FOR GARDENERS
Gardening Book-Dirr's or American Horticultual Society are Excellent!
Gardening Tool Kit
Gardening T-Shirt/Sweatshirt
Holiday Plant (Christmas Cactus, Paperwhites, Amaryllis)
Gardening Gloves
Gardening Clogs or Boots
Basket of Gardening Supplies
A Garden Doll
Garden Art
Table Top or Outdoor Fountain
Gardening Related Jewelry
Loppers! (different types)

MORE...
More Loppers...can't have enough!
Prunning Shears
Garden Statue
Hummingbird Feeder
Subscription to a Gardening Magazine  
Plant of the Month (Plant Delivered Each Month of Year)  
Porcupine Boot Brush
Kneeling Pad
Plant Markers
Chia Pet!
Gardening Ornament

See...shopping for gardeners can be fun and easy!  I am sure there are other items out there that I don't have on the list.  If you have any other suggestions I would love to hear from you. Also check out this great poem.

By MARIANNE BINETTI
Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald Columnist
December 13, 2010 · 12:21 PM

(After writing this column for more than 25 years, this is still the most requested reprint, so as a gift each year I repeat this tradition and offer the column so it can be used and shared copyright-free).

‘Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the yard,
not a gift was given, not even a card.
The tools were all hung, in the carport with care,
with hopes that St. Nicholas soon would repair,

The shovel with blade all rusty and cracked,
the pitchfork still shiny, but handle it lacked.
When out on my lawn, (it’s brown and abused)
I could see poor old Santa, looking confused.

No list had been left for Santa to see,
no gardening gifts were under the tree.
But wait there’s still time, it’s not Christmas yet,
and gardening gifts are the quickest to get.

You can forget the silk tie, the fluffy new sweater,
give something to make the garden grow better.
If she wants a gift shiny, then don’t be a fool,
it’s not a dumb diamond, but a sparkling new tool.

If fragrance is listed you can forget French perfume,
it’s a pile of manure that’ll make gardeners swoon.
Give night crawlers, not nightgowns, the type of hose that gives water.
(Anything for the kitchen is not worth the bother.)

Give a great gift that digs in the dirt,
it’s better than any designer-brand shirt.
Now look quick at Santa, this guy’s not so dumb,
under his glove, he hides a green thumb.

His knees are so dirty, his back how it aches,
his boots stomp on slugs (he gives them no breaks).
Santa only works winter,
you can surely see why,
The rest of the year
it’s a gardening high.

Elves plant in the spring,
pull weeds merrily all summer,
in fall they all harvest,
but winter’s a bummer.

And so Christmas gives Santa a part-time employment,
Till spring when the blooms are his real life enjoyment.
So ask the big guy for garden gifts this year,
Seeds, plants and tools, Santa holds them all dear.

You see malls may be crowded,
vendors hawking their ware,               
but visit a nursery,
stress-free shopping is there.

Now Santa’s flown off,
to the nursery he goes,
and his voice fills the night
with loud Hoe! Hoe! Hoes!

~ MARIANNE BINETTI

 

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee @A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved.