Having lived in Pagosa since 2001, I’m very familiar with Growing Spaces and have been interested in their geodesic dome design since we moved here. I got my start in gardening in the challenging conditions that Pagosa has to offer. In a previous role with the Southwest Land Alliance, I was able to contribute my graphic design services to the Geothermal Greenhouse Project, which features these unique domes. I’ve worn a lot of hats over the years and am excited now to be joining the marketing team and supporting the Growing Spaces community.
Articles by Laura Dollar
Herbs for the Heart: Plants for Love, Lust, and Longevity
February 10, 2025
Our favorite plants traditionally used as aphrodisiacs or to support cardiovascular health and the best gardening tips for cultivating them in your Growing Dome
Pickled Beets and Fig Jam Make Festive Holiday Gifts
November 25, 2024
When the fig trees started producing in our Growing Domes this summer, I rushed to dry or freeze as much as possible. I knew there would be a jam recipe this fall. It just so happened, that the green chiles were ready to harvest at the same time I found this recipe for a Serrano…
Preserving the Harvest: Home Canning, It’s Simple, You CAN Do It!
November 18, 2024
Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let’s dive into the world of home canning, where you can transform fresh produce into delicious, long-lasting treats. Canning is a method of food preservation where food is processed in sealed containers to extend shelf life. Those containers can be glass jars or metal cans. For the home…
Preserving the Harvest: Dehydrating, Dry It Out
October 23, 2024
Drying foods is one of the oldest forms of food preservation. Using the sun or the heat from a fire were the methods used by ancient peoples. Drying removes the moisture from fruits and vegetables, preventing the growth of bacteria or mold. As with many types of food preservation, the recommendations are often changing and…
Preserving the Harvest: Pickling and Fermentation
September 24, 2024
Pickling includes both preserving food by submerging in vinegar or by fermentation in a brine. Discover the differences and similarities between these preservation methods.
Preserving the Harvest: Freezing Food for Nutrition and Convenience
August 22, 2024
Freezing food is one of the easiest and most common forms of food preservation. It works because the cold temperatures inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Historically, if you lived in a cold climate this form of preservation by freezing had been used for centuries. The quick-freezing methods we use today, are credited to a Canadian…
Celebrate the Harvest Season with Green Chile Recipes for Every Occasion
August 19, 2024
Come September in New Mexico and parts of Colorado, the onset of Autumn is heralded by the smell of roasting chiles in the air. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or creating a special date night dinner for two, we’ve got a green chile recipe to celebrate the harvest season. In my family, Thanksgiving or Christmas…
Garlic Chicken, Lebanese Djaj Biltoom, Fit for a Feast
July 31, 2024
This roasted Lebanese Garlic Chicken, Djaj Biltoom, with a Toum dipping sauce will be the unexpected star of your next backyard BBQ. If you’re a garlic lover, skip the chicken and go straight for the toum.