Planetkind was incorporated in 1998, by Aspen & Sky, as Alachua County’s first and Gainesville’s only inner city non profit Farm Animal Rescue. For three years we where blessed and honored to be the caregivers for dozens of farm animals from rabbits to goats, potbellied pigs to various fowl. Most had been mis-given as pets, others, simply no longer wanted. An animal rescue with no boundaries or cages other than the perimeter fence - every one peacefully coexisted as friends, and welcome in the house….or on it. Each animal had their own home, yet no no doors locked them in, and to my knowledge, no one ever left the property even though most could have quite easily. The attraction of love, kindness and attention. Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of Planetkind Farm Animal Rescue was to show, as a working example, how many different animals can happily share a common home, each life enriching the others. Each animal seemed to find much curiosity and amusement in the actions of others, seldom interfering and often assisting in each others endeavours. The consciousness of all animals is equal. The emotions, feelings, thought processes and communication among animals are equal to the human animal. With many positive attributes being displayed more frequently than in humans.

In 2001, the City of Gainesville determined that “livestock” was not allowed within city limits and that we would have to relocate our beloved friends. Fortunately, several other rescues had formed in the surrounding area and were more than happy to assist in relocating our family members. Some were set free. Ever watch a 2 year old goldfish swim in a straight line for the first time in her life? Or a rabbit run a 200 yard dash for the first time? Regardless of their fortune, the day of freedom was worth a life in captivity. We as people assume our importance all too freely. Animals are born knowing who they are and their rightful place in this world. Some times setting them free is the ultimate gift. Following this fortune we “decorporatized”, knowing our effort would be more effective as privateers. But the spirit of Planetkind has lived on in many incarnations and still grows today. The knowledge that we can, living a vegan and compassionate life, open to the needs of all living things: human, animals, plants, can make a life that is as sweet as the sweetest dream imaginable. A space where we work together in harmony to better each others lives and coexist to each others benefit. Love in action.

   During these years of farming and gardening, we had become acutely aware of a plight facing worldwide food production - the lack of pollinating insects. Due to insecticide use, and general decline of their environment, their has been a worldwide loss greater than 60% of bees in the last 5 years. Records are not kept for the many others such as butterflies, bumble bees, humming birds, various flies and a myriad more. Our food supply is in danger from a lack of pollinating insects. We felt a need, a calling if you will, to help these important and beautiful friends of ours, for without them we can not survive. Our garden already contained many heirloom flower varieties, so we saved seeds. One seed, one plant with 50 flowers, each flower with 50 seeds and Planetkind Herloom Flower Seeds was born. With in 4 years we offered over 30 varieties of flower seeds - heavy nectar producing butterfly and bee attractors, as well as host plants for larvae food.  As we moved between several homes in the following years we left a path of naturalized flowers behind that produce beautiful stands of flowers to this day, feeding the friends we so dearly depend on.

  Planetkind Heirloom Flower Seeds is in a regrowth stage and will be offering high quality open pollinated varieties of flower seeds by the 2009-2010 growing season. Specializing in butterfly and hummingbird gardens for the home enthusiast, and bee attractors for the commercial farmers. It is no longer possible to produce a crop to potential without assisting in the attraction of beneficial insects and naturalized flowers are an answer.

  Since 1999, Sky has been offering several self published cook books including “The Comfortable Southern Vegan” - still available, and a new book in the works that demystifies the simplicity of good vegan cooking.

    Sky is also an accomplished kaleidoscopic artist with both prints and original pieces for sale. Follow the art links and enter a world of colors unimaginable.

   Another Planetkind product is homemade soap. Just like Granny used to make - except 100% vegan. Made from pure vegetable oil and hardwood lye. All natural, with organic scents from the finest oils and spices. The only soap you”ll need!  Remember: Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

 As we develop this site, we will provide information on veganism (including veganic gardening), sustainable lifestyles, gardening for food - ours and theirs, compassionate living, alternative energies and alternative thinking. We are Just sprouting. Seed leaves showing.

  And we haven’t even touched on Sky’s Pet Nanny Service, or Planetkind Sports for those with different abilities and amputee rock climbing.

  More to come - always,

    ASPEN