Horticulture and Permaculture's topics - tribe.net

need planter box liner that won't leach chemicals

2008-07-03T16:39:00Z

I have built some large planter boxes out of redwood in which I'll plant organic vegetables and flowers. I want to line the inside of the boxes so they last longer (ie less soil to wood contact), but need to use a liner material that won't break down and leach chemicals. This is on an organic farm that will soon undergo certification so I need a materiel that won't hurt our veges nor compromise our organic certification process.

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 2 replies

Kale

2008-07-03T03:12:23Z

So i wintered over some kale that i started late last summer. It went along fine until spring hit, then it decided to bolt and flower on me. Now i have big beautiful yellow flowers and all, but what i really want is kale. I have been told that the leaves go bitter after it bolts.

Does anyone know if it will regenerate if i just cut it way back, or should i just collect seeds rip it out and start over?

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 25 replies

Walking onions

2008-06-23T12:07:11Z

does anyone here have a start of walking onions they'd be willing to share?
I will pay for shipping, maybe I have something to share: banana squash seed, heirloom okra, daikon radish...
Neil

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

My daffadills

2008-05-24T22:11:11Z

HI,I just wanted to know if i can cut them down after they are done blooming...I love them but when they are done the plant part isn't that pretty anymore..

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 6 replies

Poison Ivy Vegetation Killer

2008-05-19T17:17:59Z

Spring is one of the very best and easiest times to rid your land of poison ivy in a safe, environmentally friendly way.
SIMPLE SOLUTION: The key is catching the plant when the leaves are new and shiny.

Here is an easy formula for killing new poison ivy growth using simple kitchen cupboard ingredients:
Soap has been used for centuries as an all-purpose herbicide.
Note: Buy a liquid soap and not a detergent. Health food stores have liquid soaps, such as Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soaps.
Soap Spray
4 tablespoons liquid soap
1 quart water
-Combine ingredients in a bucket, mix, then transfer to a spray bottle as needed.
**Note that this recipe will kill neighboring vegetation also, so focus the spray on the poison ivy.
Here is another alternative solution to herbicides: Goats! For some reason, Spanish and Angora
goat breeds absolutely love poison ivy. Make sure you get those particular breeds; most others
don't like poison ivy for their main meal. I would love to have goats, but my family won't let me... !

Here is the homemade poison ivy vegetation killer spray that I've found is safe and effective
if you are reading this when the leaves are no longer shiny:

Poison Ivy Vegetation Killer
1 cup salt
8 drops liquid detergent
1 gallon vinegar

Combine the salt and vinegar in a pan and heat to dissolve the salt.
Cool the vinegar, add the detergent, and pour some of the liquid into a large spray bottle.
Spray the vegetation. (You can also just pour the mixture onto the weeds.) Refill the spray
bottle as necessary. Note that this formula will kill all the vegetation, so make sure that you
are only spraying the plants you want to kill. If you need to use a lot of this spray, avoid
spraying it near wells, as the salt can leach into your water supply.

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 16 replies

cantaloupe?

2008-05-15T16:20:31Z

Hey,

I was looking online for suggestions on how to grow canteloupe (I thought i'd squeeze in one) and found a site that was saying I could grow them much like peas, trelice-style going up a chain link fence. She also suggested using pantyhose as a sling for the melons, tied to the fence. Eventually I'd have to change the pantyhose out for stronger fabric (I have scraps of polyester that'd work fine) as the melons get larger. But... I could have a few plants that way, and maybe get a dozen melons. Wow!

anybody have any other insights on growing them this way? or simple, easy ways to make the ground like what they want?

thanks

nadia

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 2 replies

peonies for cut flowers

2008-05-15T14:26:43Z

If I cut my peonies for flower arangements, will they produce more buds? I know this happens with roses. And what about columbine? Will they make more if I cut them? And I mean this year, not next year.

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 1 reply

transplanted a japanese maple yesterday

2008-05-06T20:19:28Z

My neighbor was going to just remove a japanese maple because
it was not in a good place and offered it to me if I would get it out myself.
It was more work than I imagined and it was dark by the time I was done.
I only had energy to put it in shade in a large trash can till this evening.
I didn't realize that the rootball wasn't reaching the water and the leave are wilted.
I planted it in rich soil and watered it really good.
Anything I can do now to ease the shock?

I realize this is not the best time to relocate a tree.
Is it best to cut it back alot now?

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 7 replies

Question about companion planting

2008-05-02T17:08:58Z

Hi, I'm trying to find out how hops and tomatoes would do together. We have a new bed along our tall fence that we are going to plant hops in (my husband is a homebrewer), and there will be room to plant tomatoes as well. Does anyone know if they would do ok together?

Thanks!

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 7 replies

Orange tree question...

2008-04-30T02:30:31Z

I'm starting to look at my long neglected orange tree in the back yard.... I know, I know... bad gardener!!

I've been pulling off some fruit this afternoon and noticed that my tree has thorns on all the new growth shoots.. but not on the older branches. The thorns are about an inch long and are really thin and sharp. My arms are pretty well scratched up.

Someone recently told me that an orange tree with thorns is a sour orange - and that the fruits are good for making homemade cleaning products, marmalade and liquours. The fruits are good size, nice and juicy.. and I guess a bit on the tart side. But.. then most oranges taste tart to me.

i'm not so sure I have a sour orange tree.... or not.
What do you think?

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 4 replies

punkins, gourds, loofahs

2008-04-30T01:53:05Z

I was planning on putting my seedlings in the ground this weekend..... does anyone have any tips/advice for pumpkin/gourd/etc in the california bay area?

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 4 replies

Binomial Nomenclature and Latin Roots

2008-04-05T09:47:58Z

A couple of years back when i was studying Permaculture
there was a book floating around that
explained the Latin meanings
of root words
and

how
the words in Latin were descriptive
of the plant itself.
for example the cashew:
Anacardium occidentale:

* Anacardium (an-uh-KAR-dee-um) - Name used for the heart-shaped fruit of an Indian tree, but applied to the cashew by Linnaeus.
* occidentale (ock-sih-den-TAY-lee) - Of or from the West.

I can't remember the title or author of that particular book. Any suggestions on something similar?
Thanks

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 2 replies

insulating a greenhouse wall.

2008-03-25T01:15:58Z

hi everyone

i live on the gulf islands of canada.
i am building a green house.
i want to isolate the north wall with any material that is locally available.

i thought about saw dust. is it a possible/efficient way of doing????

i thought about horse manure.....am i crazy???

we would conceptualize a system, where we could replace the manure every couple months(as it compost itself) and then use it as soil....
i thought we could place the manure into a sealed wall so no wood would be in contact with it.
and there would be a trap to empty the wall and re-fill it.

what do you think???? does manure itself have a good insulating value??? i would think so...

any other tips recommendation????

thanks

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 8 replies

Saving seeds from store bought veggies?

2008-03-23T00:05:44Z

Hiya! I posted this in another tribe as well, (copy and paste..*blush*..) but I was wondering if anyone has saved seeds from store bought vegetables, and had them grow into succesful vegetable bearing plants?

I saved all the seeds from 1 red bell pepper, and one yellow spaghetti squash last night. Going to rinse them, and lay them flat to dry as soon as I get home, and am interested in saving more as well.

Basicly, just wondering if this is a viable way to get some seeds together to start new plants? I'm interested in turning most of the urban backyard i will aquire in march into vegetable/herb/edible.. and thought it'd be neat to try and grow the seeds from the food i buy until than.

Any information would be greatly appreciated! :)

<3 Ness

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 5 replies

Ecodynamics

2008-03-21T19:58:56Z

Fropm my soon to be resleased manual on ecodynamic property maintenence

The Basics of Ecodynamics.
Ecological Wheel of Balance by Steven J. Restmeyer

Holistic – referring to the sum of the parts as one unit.

The ecological wheel of balance was developed to help people in the landscape industry grasp the concept that in ecodynamics, holistic balance is the goal. When seeking a solution to a problem in the landscape, we must consider how the solution affects all life in the ecosystem in perpetuity. Each change that occurs can cause a wave. Like a pebble tossed into a pond. The rings radiate out and may be felt by all those living in the ecosystem. In time the waves lose magnitude or with the appropriate inputs and activity, the balance can be restored more quickly.
If we take drastic measures before considering all the ramifications, we may do more harm, sending an even bigger ring of waves wreaking havoc in it’s wake. A simple act of dormant oil application, for example, which is applied as a blanket application annually, could kill thousands of spider eggs, ladybug eggs, and any other egg the spray covers. Even a bird’s egg will be killed by the oil that blocks the pores and suffocates the embryo. This wreaks havoc in the populations that in nature would be delicately balanced at each rung of the food chain. So in essence, with each early dormant oil application, the ecosystem is put into a state of imbalance. Until the spiders return, and the nesting birds can forage for sufficient food, there will remain an imbalance and subsequently, pesticide induced infestations will pop up through the season.
We can tip the scales on our favor by cultivating gardens that support the insects, birds and plants that we desire. It sounds difficult, and it is. Fortunately, nature is doing all the complicated work. Our job is to observe closely and respond to the cause, not the symptom.
When applying the principles of ecodynamics, one can use a wagon wheel to illustrate the ecosystem. Each element is represented as an individual spoke within the one wheel. The wheel can only roll along with all the spokes intact and balanced. When we have a balance wheel, the wheel can roll without much effort. When any aspect of the ecosystem is either in excess or depleted, it will create either a longer or shorter spoke, resulting in an ecological wobble. The wobble will in turn require changes in other spokes in order to make the proper adjustments to the wheel. Some of these occur naturally over time. Others may require a steward’s hand to assist in moving back to a balanced sustainable wheel that can roll along freely.
For example, when trees are pruned in a woodland setting, more sun reaches the ground, thereby heating the understory and ground and causing more evaporation of moisture in the soil. The increased airflow under and throughout the canopy will also increase the drying of the soil surface. Many woodland plants that require moist soil will feel the effect and attempt to grow deeper into the soil if they can. Whether we want to believe that they feel it or not plants do, in fact, respond to sun, gravity, and moisture in their environment. How do they know that it’s the sun warming their leaves? Do they “feel” it? Perhaps they do not feel it as we do, but they are at the least aware of the sunlight and move toward it. This shows an awareness. One June day, when I was sitting quietly in the woods, I noticed a catbrier vine that was close to me move slightly. It was the new growth, about three to four feet long and it seemed to move with the slightest of air current. It had a circular swaying motion and I noticed that the new leaf on the stalk acted like a sail and the stalk was moving first toward my shadow and then to me. It certainly “saw” or sensed the lesser light cast by my shadow and seemed to follow it, possibly by a slight movement in the leaf stem to turn the leaf as a rudder in the breeze. It was a bit un-nerving and it changed everything I thought I knew about plants.
But back to that woodland that we pruned. Why prune it at all then? Sometimes a woodland environment will benefit from a pruning. When excessive mosquito populations gather due to lack of airflow, pruning the lowest branches up to a height of 6- 10 feet can increase airflow dramatically, which in turn, will help blow them away, literally. Mosquitoes detest breezes. Never prune more than 25% of the growth from a tree. Some of the effects as a result of over pruning may be;
1-Some birds return year after year to the same place to nest and will not feel secure if the environment is so vastly changed. They may seek other habitats to nest, feeling too exposed to predators. For every nest site lost, there will be approximately 1600 more insects a day that are not consumed.
2-Newly exposed tree trunks may suffer from sunscald. Extreme daily temperature changes in winter may cause the bark to crack and bleed. Keep the south side of the canopy more intact to sufficiently shade the trunk and plant evergreen shrubs on the south side of the tree.
3-Greater soil moisture evaporation due to increased sun and airflow may be detrimental to woodland habitat by reducing topsoil moisture levels. This in turn will have an effect on plant, fungal and insect population balance. This will translate later into lack of food for birds that may depend on insects, fungi or plants (berries, seeds) that depend on greater soil moisture for long term sustainability.
4-Removal of all dead wood from the property will force woodpeckers and other over-wintering birds, like the nuthatches, brown creepers, and chickadees to find other habitats for winter foods, effectively removing an important part of the insect control mechanism.

The Eco- Approach; .
In the case of pruning the woodland as described above, a steward should consider the following;
1-It’s always best to prune before or after nesting season. Leave some areas untouched. Remember that you are pruning to open up a channel for air flow. Start in the center and “hollow” the canopy up to the desired height. Leave lower branches in the corners and parts of the border of the woodland to serve as cover for woodland songbirds. These soft-billed birds devour insect pests every day, all day when they have young to feed. They are considered an integral part of all effective and sustainable EPM programs. A lack of birds will cause an increase in insect pests and the ecological wheel will wobble as the spokes become imbalanced. The wheel of sustainability may grind to a halt if the birds are not encouraged to nest on site again. Cane shrubs left intact or planted ahead of time will provide low cover where smaller woodland birds may nest. Sometimes old nests may serve as a clue. Use your tracking skills to see what signs are left from past or present nesting birds. If I know I’ll be pruning a year in advance I’ll plant shrubs and install birdhouses in advance.
2- Be sure to leave lower branches on the southern end of the continuous canopy. Never over do it when pruning. You can always come back next year.
Note: For some professional arborists, it is nearly impossible to consider holding off from pruning when nesting birds are in the area. However, if pruning is only one of many tasks you perform on the land, it may be possible to eliminate pruning of trees in the spring. I’ve lost some jobs by refusing to prune where there were nesting birds. On the other hand, I also gained respect and loyalty from other clients who felt the same way. By following nature’s dictates in my duty to serve these clients, I had the opportunity to unfold the intricate fabric of life in my gardens. My more loyal clients, being more committed to the holistic health of their environment, were far more valuable to me.

3- Reduce soil evaporation in the soil by supplementing the natural leaf litter with wood chips and additional leaves. The leaves can be ground with a mower or leaf mulcher for aesthetic purposes and to reduce the scattering of leaves in the fall and winter seasons. Grass clippings can be spread lightly over the area so as not to clump. It is very important to keep the soil from heating up to much in the summer, especially with shallow rooted woodland understory plants. Apply a thicker layer of mulch where the midday sun reaches the ground.

4-Leave as much of the pruned wood on the property as possible. Leave trunks intact and standing up to 6-12 feet wherever possible. This makes excellent forage for winter birds and woodpeckers. They will also supply cavity nesting sites for birds and other animals. When dead trees must be removed, place birdhouses in nearby trees or shrubs to compensate for the natural loss and leave the trunk in sections to decompose on site. Doing this will help maintain the balance of wood decaying insects and birds that feed on them. You can lay the trunks along paths and edge planting beds, they can be used as arbors and rough walls around a compost pile. Rustic benches and fences can also be made. The brush can be piled neatly and compacted in a low heap and covered with leaves if a wildlife habitat for small mammals is desired. These piles can be places where predators like hawks, owls, eagles and fox may find a reliable food source.

The Elements of Ecodynamics

pH. In the soil and on leaf surfaces, pH will determine what type of organisms occupy that habitat. As acidity rises, so does the fungal growth. Not all fungi are bad, in fact, soil life and plants that grow there rely on fungi in order to thrive.
More Acidic Soil- Fungi are generally more obvious and dominant in acidic woodland habitats. Mushrooms are the reproductive part, referred to as fruiting bodies, of the vast network of thread like roots that form the mycelia of the fungi. These mycorrhizae, literally translated as “fungi roots”, mine minerals and cellulose from rotting organic matter and return it to the soil nutrient network.
More Alkaline Soil- when we look more neutral soil pH levels of 6.0- 7.0,fungi become less abundant and bacteria more abundant. Soils that support turf grass and prairie plants generally require a soil pH of 6-6.8. In a natural grass land ecosystem, ash left after a prairie fire will raise the pH slightly and keep it at the same level indefinitely. In turfgrass management, annual lime applications can help with our necessary interference with prairie fires. When fescues are dominant, pH can be as low as 5.5 without any noticeable detriment. In nature, fescues are found in woodland borders and open fields where soil pH levels tend to be more acidic.
The pH of the plant leaf surface or the skin of a fruit is just as important as the pH of the soil. Fungal leaf diseases like black spot or powdery mildew can be treated preventatively by spraying a calcium carbonate solution on the surface of the leaf. For long term control of fungal problems, increase both airflow and soil pH by adding lime as needed.

Airflow. Circulation of air is extremely important both above and below ground. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than a stuffy garden in midsummer. Fungal problems increase. Mosquitoes linger longer when the air does not move. In order When air cannot move easily through the soil, water also cannot move freely through. A lack of oxygen will create an anaerobic condition. Without oxygen, most plants’ roots die from rot. There are some exceptions. Some plants developed specialized roots and can withstand marshy wet saturated soils. Anaerobic soil is easy to identify. The sulfur like smell of rotting eggs will be unmistakable. I’ve seen this situation on construction sites where topsoil was buried under layers of subsoil and compacted by trucks and heavy equipment. The microbes digesting the organic matter ran out of oxygen and the soil develop an anaerobic condition, causing the rotting egg smell. By using microbial mixes and core aeration, this soil was restored to a healthy condition over the course of the year.
Organic matter (crust). A layer of organic matter will always be seen in wild undisturbed environments covering the topsoil. This crust, when undisturbed, will prevent erosion partly due to the increase in soil porosity and partly due to the soil life that creates a firm structure and network of roots.
In woodland environments, it is clear to see that the leaf matter covers the ground creating this crust. Biological activity in the soil will digest this crust over the course time as it’s buried by the next year’s layer. Prairie environments have a thatch like layer of crust that will decompose over the course of the year in healthy soil if soil moisture is sufficient.
This crust is not to be confused with topsoil. Topsoil is where the roots grow, the crust is a blanket of organic matter that covers the soil.
In turf grass ecosystems, the annual thatch is digested when the proper moisture and biological profile are present. There are many products that incorporate soil microbes as a de-thatcher that will continue to digest lawn clippings when a mulching mower blade is used, recycling the nutrients back to the soil. We will cover this in more detail later. The maintenance of this crust is also essential for annual weed control. When the protective crust that covers dormant crabgrass and chickweed seeds is disturbed, the seeds germinate. When they reach maturity and drop their seed on the surface of the crust and infestation may soon follow if the proper preventative measures are not followed.
This is why power raking is avoided when a lawn is well established. Power raking is never necessary and only creates the illusion of further dependence on chemical weed controls. Topdressing a lawn with a finished, weed free compost mixed with fescue seed is the best way to repair the crust. For more information, refer to the chapter on turf grass.
Insect &. bird diversity. Although actually represented by two spokes on the Ecological Wheel of Balance, birds and insects are inseperable in the ecosystem. The longer an ecosystem remains balanced, the more diversity will be seen in the populations of birds and insects. Birds that occupy your landscape habitat will require hundreds of insects each day to feed their young. In the winter, birds will often seek insect eggs along branches and trunks or larvae under dead bark on trees or in mulch piles. This is why it’s important not to remove all the dead wood from a property. I recommend a small pile of branches somewhere in a corner out of sight. Also try leaving trunks and branches of dead trees as forage for these hard working allies. Trunks can be left standing 6-12 feet where they wil not pose any hazard when they eventually fall. The remaining branches and trunk can be left as footpath borders and garden benches n the case of ery large trunks. Be creatie with how you arrange the dead wood. It doesn’t have to look like a pile a debris. You will notice a decrease in ichneumon wasps when this wood is removed. These wasps are the best defense against boring pests that can kill trees.
Soil life diversity. Diversity is the key to any ecosystems health. The more diversity there is, the more checks and balances are in place. Soil ecosystems are no different. Micro fauna and micro flora can be found by the millions in a teaspoon of healthy soil. Beneficial nematodes parasitize many different pests in the soil. They are abundant in older soils that have not been treated with insecticides and fungicides. They are available through many mail order catalogues but it is important to get nematodes that have been raised on live food in order for them to be reproductively viable. Nematodes raised on commercial feeds will tend tobe sterile. Add to that the earthworms and other insects and you have a microscopic jungle under your feet. An earthworm’s digestive tract acts as an incubator for soil microbes and the waste, or “castings” are one of the best ingredients for soil inoculation or compost teas. Ecological land care requires the care and cultivation of soil over time without the use of toxins. As I always say; Don’t treat your soil like dirt. It’s the source of all life on land. Organic matter in soil is like a nutrient bank, holding valuable nutrients that would otherwise leach out or run off into streams and groundwater. We will be discussing different soil types and their characteristics in subsequent chapters.
Plant diversity. There is, in every ecosystem, a community of different plants that are often found growing together. Certain soil pH levels and biological profiles, insects and birds that rely on these specific plants will also accompany these plant communities. A diversity of plants will, in turn, support a diverse population of both insects and birds. Berries are often scarce in landscape ecosystems that are designed for aesthetics. Mountain ash, juniper, magnolia, dogwood, holly, privet and honeysuckle will provide some of the berries that are so coveted by catbirds, orioles, tanagers and other birds. Try adding blueberry, cranberry, bramble berries, currants and gooseberries to your plant list and you will see more of these elusive colorful birds that are an asset to any garden.

Mineral diversity. Copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, magnesium, phosphorus, boron, selenium, chromium, and vanadium are just a few of the many mineral elements necessary to maintain a healthy environment. Minerals come from the earth, locked into the molecular matrix of rock. However, animals cannot absorb the minerals in this form. And only a few plants can, lichen being one of them. On a molecular level, minerals have to be connected to a carbon chain in order for them to be easily utilized by organisms within the ecosystem. This is called chelation. Bacteria and fungi in the soil are responsible for this. Once the minerals are circulating within the biosphere, they are passed from plant to animal and up the food chain to eventually return to the soil again to be consumed by the bacterial and fungi and reused as it climbs through the food chain again and so on and so on.
The color of autumn leaves is due to the minerals left after the chlorophyll withdraws from the tissue. Now think about all those leaves being taken away. All those minerals that the soil worked so hard to make available to support life are being taken out of the equation. The ecosystem never really reaches that balance.
Chelation is necessary so that the biosphere maintains the proper relative proportion of each element. When there is an excess of one element, it will bind with any available mineral that matches the outer electron shell footprint. What this means is that the element that is it’s complement will become less available and create a trace element deficiency syndrome while this element is actually still present. It’s just not available. That is why ecological soil management relies on the application of rock dusts and compost teas that contain living microbes that digest the mineral elements. This way, we are following the natural law of mineral proportions as dictated by the soil life itself.
Water and moisture. To do without water is surely a torture, even to plants. But too much of a good thing is also not so good. Short periods of drought will encourage plants to grow roots into the deeper soil, seeking moisture there. These deeper roots will help the plants withstand more environmental stress like high winds, extreme heat and cold or longer droughts.
Water attracts a variety of animals. Clean surface water should be available to support the wildlife populations. Salamanders, snails, frogs and tadpoles that live in the water will attract. Kingfishers, herons, small mammals, will spend more time there hunting their daily meals. When designing a water feature, it’s important to place the feature close enough as possible to a window view so that the wildlife can be observed without it being disturbed. When a water feature must be approached to be observed, all of the more secretive wildlife will flee the scene before you get there.

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

Compost ... let's spread the word !

2008-03-17T23:09:46Z

R&R Power Turf is pleased to introduce you to an all new, compact, and highly innovative piece of lawn care equipment for the sustainable future.

The Power Top Dresser allows landscape and lawn care companies the opportunity to enhance service in the most natural of ways, ...compost topdressing !

The Power Top Dresser is a uniquely designed, and fully self propelled spreader that has been engineered exclusively for the green industry. Turf professionals can now apply compost, top soil, worm castings, and other beneficial organic bulk material to turf grass areas as an organic alternative to traditonal treaments.

Powered by a Honda engine, and hydrostatic transmission this very stable and very versatile machine has a 10.5 cu. ft. hopper which will cover up to 3000 sq. ft in under 10 minutes. A single operator can effortlessly and without fatigue complete 15 properties per production day easily making this compost spreader a leader in the green marketplace.

Fast, Efficient, Rugged, & Profitable ... email info@topdresser.ca & let us show you how.

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 1 reply

come visit me

2008-03-11T01:15:22Z

website up:

www.abundancepermaculture.com/

and im looking for a few summer interns. I have started a 16 acre food forest in SW Washington.

I took my PDC in 2003, and permaculture teachers course in 2004, and have just wrapped up a masters in sustainable ag (thats what kids are calling permaculture these days....) and will offer up to 5 no charge permaculture certificates this summer in return for an 8 week internship. none of the $1200 dollar plus airfare stuff you see out there, none of that "pay to fix up someone else's property". Your time for mine, I walk away with chores done, you walk away with a design certificate.

im also looking for a manager. work is part time, tehre may be a stipend involved for the right person/s. couples welcome.

drop a line and lets shine together.

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

great video....

2008-03-06T05:25:19Z

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/214

enjoy!!

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

Skullcap

2008-02-25T21:47:43Z

Hello,

How do you grow/sprout Skullcap (Scutellarie lateroflora)? Anyone know...

Thanx

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 5 replies

Speak out against aerial spraying - CDFA coming to town this week!

2008-02-22T16:49:07Z

Another post from the San Francisco Permaculture Guild:

Posted by: "Kachina Katrina" kachinakatrina@uas.coop kachinakatrina
Thu Feb 21, 2008 8:28 am (PST)

<http://sanfrancisco.tribe.net/listing/b61d5789-6629-4912-a35c-2567d7806251>
Speak
out against aerial spraying - CDFA coming to town this
week!<http://sanfrancisco.tribe.net/listing/b61d5789-6629-4912-a35c-2567d7806251>
Last
week the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) made an
official announcement that they intend to continue aerial spraying of
pesticides over Monterey and Santa Cruz counties in June, and begin spraying
over the Bay Area in August. Once implemented the spraying will occur every
30-90 days, for 9 months of every year, for at least 3-5 years to come.

The proposed areas to be sprayed by air total 444,060 acres, 693.8 miles
(see map http://www.hopefortruth.com/lbam_2008.jpg). And that doesn't
include the vast acreage of ground treatments that allow them to enter
private properties to attach chemical twist ties and traps in your organic
gardens, and paint insecticide on trees and utility poles, all in easy reach
of climbing children, pets, and other beneficial creatures. Hundreds of
people have already been made ill by the spraying last Fall in Monterey and
Santa Cruz (list of symptoms
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/01/05/18470272.php).

The CDFA is battling the little light brown apple moth (LBAM), not because
it has the potential of eating us out of house and home, nor are they
concerned about us not having enough to eat. Their eradication program has
nothing whatsoever to do with public health and safety, but everything to do
with trade. They worry about losing profits because of potential embargoes
on California produce. They are not concerned about organic farmers,
however, and organic standards are in the process of being diluted further.

The CDFA will be holding "scoping" meetings to hear public comments
regarding their Environmental Impact Review (EIR) process. Please be aware
that the spraying is not dependent on completion of such a review, because
they have declared a "State of Emergency", which gives them the right to
overrule other regulations, such as local pesticide ordinances, private
property laws, and health, safety, and environmental protection.

You can demonstrate your concerns at the following meetings, which the CDFA
is expected to attend. More meetings, organized by the CDFA, various city
and county officials, and grassroots activists, in various communities are
being added all the time. Please keep updated by checking out the calendar
at http://www.lbamspray.com/calendar.htm

If you haven't done so already, please scroll down to the links on the
bottom of this mail to sign the petition opposed to aerial spraying, and
vote in the polls.

CDFA "scoping" meetings:

Monterey
Wednesday, February 20, 2008, 6:00 ? 8:00 p.m.
Monterey Peninsula College
Lecture Forum 103
980 Fremont Street
Monterey, CA 93940

Santa Cruz
Thursday, February 21, 2008, 6:00 ? 8:00 p.m.
University Inn & Conference Center
Sierra & Dawn Room
611 Ocean Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

San Francisco
Monday, February 25, 2008, 6:00 ? 8:00 p.m.
San Francisco County Fair Building Auditorium
Golden Gate Park
9th Avenue & Lincoln Way
San Francisco, CA 94122

Oakland
Tuesday, February 26, 2008, 6:30 ? 8:30 p.m.
Ellis M Harris State Building Auditorium
1515 Clay St.
Oakland, CA 94612

Oral and written comments will be accepted. The deadline for written
comments is March 20, 2008. They may be sent to:
Jim Rains, Staff Environmental Scientist
CA Department of Food and Agriculture
Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services
1220 N Street, Room A-316
Sacramento, CA 95814

LBAM on the agenda at City Council meetings:

Oakland
Tuesday, February 26, 2008, 7pm
Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza (14th St. Between Clay and Broadway)
Hearing Room 1
Oakland City Council Public Safety Committee considers a resolution against
aerial spraying proposed by Councilmembers Brunner and Reid
(draft resolution: http://clerkwebsvr1.oaklandnet.com/attachments/18426.pdf)

Berkeley
Tuesday, February 26, 2008, 7pm
2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley
CDFA presentation scheduled at Berkeley City Council meeting

To prepare for talking with the CDFA, and to hear from grassroots opposition
to the pesticide program:

San Leandro
East Bay Pesticide Alert/Don't Spray California presents:
Who's afraid of the Light Brown Apple Moth?
Sunday, February 24, 2008, 1:30-3:30pm
Zocalo Coffeehouse
645 Bancroft Ave @ Dutton, San Leandro
*(scent-free please)
http://www.eastbaypesticidealert.org/

Have you signed the petition against the spraying?

http://www.stopthespray.org/

Voted in the poll in the Marin Independent Journal?

http://www.marinij.com/marin/ci_8257611

And the one on About.com <http://about.com/>?

http://sanfrancisco.about.com/b/2008/02/16/aerial-spraying-over-san-francisco-bay-area.htm

Thanks! and sorry for any cross postings.
--
Kachina Katrina Zavalney*
Mapping the Ecology of the Sustainability Movement
The Urban Alliance for Sustainability
www.uas.coop
cell: 503-459-1345

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 1 reply

2008 Communities Conference at Twin Oaks Community

2008-02-19T18:12:01Z

My name is Suede and I live at Twin Oaks Community in Louisa, VA. This year I'm co-organizing the Communities Conference at Twin Oaks for my 2nd year, though the conference has been happening for many years now. Thought I'd post some basic info on the conference for those interested in learning about community, expanding knowledge or just meeting new people. Feel free to contact me with any questions about Twin Oaks or our conferences.

In Community,
Suede Machete

Here's the info:

The Communities Conference is a networking and learning opportunity for anyone interested or involved in co-operative or communal lifestyles. Join us for a weekend of sharing and celebration!

Friday August 15 through
Sunday August 17, 2008
$85 (sliding scale) includes
meals and camping

With workshops and events focused on
~ Intentional relationships
~ Group process
~Collective child raising
~ Creating culture
~ Forming communities
~ Sustainability
~ Appropriate technology
~ Community economics

Music
Dancing
Slide shows
Campfires
Swimming
Magic
More!

Respond to:
Twin Oaks Communities Conference
138 Twin Oaks Road, Louisa, Virginia 23093
540-894-5126

conference@twinoaks.org

For More Information, check out our website:

www.communitiesconference.org

Twin Oaks also hosts a Women's Gathering! Check that out at :

www.twinoaks.org/community...index.html

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

Alright--to get us off the christ topic--what do folks recommend (if anything) for helping out a small piece of struggling forest?

2008-02-15T00:45:25Z

So this piece of land was clear-cut 50 years ago, and there's some big trees on it and all, but it still seems to have a stressed feeling. There's not much humus underfoot and even some patches of bare earth. My understanding is that even in a moderately healthy forest there's no bare earth. (BTW this in OR near Portland). If I end up living here long term, what can I do to help it along (if anything)? We're already doing humanure, but there ain't that many here for that to make a big difference. And also, should I plant plants like berry producing shrubs, etc. near my yurt? Wouldn't they be here already if they were supposed to? There's some very small salal on a skid trail I found yesterday, very few oregon grape and salmon berry near the creek (but VERY few), but nothingt near my yurt. Apparently the land was goat grazed quite a bit in its history.

thanks!

eriol

p.s. the part of forest I'm in is primarily deciduous (which is strange in itself up here). There are some doug firs, small cedars, and spruces here, but far fewer of those than the others. I'm not good at knowing all my decids in the winter, but I have seen some maple and alder (though not an overwhelming amount).

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 12 replies

Aerial pesticide spraying in SF and East Bay

2008-02-12T18:45:57Z

This info was taken from a post from the San Francisco Permaculture Guild that I received today:

Community information meetings:
San Francisco: 2/11/08 Women's Building 7:30pm 3543 18th St. Rm A
Berkeley: 2/24/08 5pm Berkeley Hillside Club 2286 Cedar St.

Go to StopTheSpray.org to sign the petition.

LBAM Spray Campaign to Hit SF Bay Area

Posted: 08 Feb 2008 01:39 AM CST

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are developing their plans for
the 2008 Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) eradication program in nine
Central California counties along the coast and in the Bay Area.
According to information from StopTheSpray.org, August is the targeted date for potential aerial pesticide spraying in the SF Bay Area.

They will be using aerial pheromone treatments along with other
techniques. A pheromone is a natural scent that an insect produces to
communicate with a potential mate. Pheromone use for this pest works by
confusing the male moth, which disrupts the mating cycle, thereby
decreasing or eradicating the pest population. The CDFA says that
pheromones are not harmful to people, pets or plants. In actuality the
spray with all of its inert ingredients has not been through long-term
toxicity testing. Some of the inert ingredients are known carcinogens.

Listen to KPFA Terra Verde radio show
for the interview with Chela Vasquez of the Pesticide Action Network;
Nan Wishner, chair of the Albany Integrated Pest Management Task Force
and John Russo of StopTheSpray.org.

Some of the facts I heard on the show:

- There have been 643 documented complaints of adverse reactions.
And this is only complaints to doctors. Many more don't have insurance
or didn't go to the doctor.

LBAM is considered only a minor pest in Australia, the country its origin.LBAM has been in Australia for 100 yearsLBAM has been here for at least a decade according to independent biologists contradicting what the CDFA has said.Spraying is slated for Alameda, Contra Costa, SF, Marin, San Mateo, Solano, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz countiesConcentrations of the inert ingredients are unknown. This information is protected under trade secret rulesCEO of Suterra (manufacturer of the pesticide Checkmate being used)
Stewart Resnick donated $144,000 to Gov. Schwarzenegger's re-election
campaign.Combined total cost of the program in USDA funds in 2008 is $97 millionThe state of California is spending $500,000 on a PR firm to convince the public that the aerial spraying is OK

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 1 reply

The Ultimate Kitchen Gardener or aero garden

2008-02-09T00:04:11Z

Hey everyone!
I got an Ultimate Kitchen Gardener for xmas, and I was wondering if anyone has info on where I can order seed kits. The manufacturer doesn't have a website, only an 800 number. There is also an aero garden on the market that is similar to this one, and there is a website for it, but I can't tell if the seed pods are compatible with my system. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 5 replies

Shade and Yard Tree

2008-01-03T02:05:07Z

I live in the Sierra foothills, right in the pocket of areas 7 and 9, and I'm in the process of re-landscaping the front yard. We just took out a Mimosa tree, and would like to replace it with something *better*; deciduous, suitable for yard planting, not so messy, with no root problems (like a liquid amber).

A Sourgum was recommended, but I've been trying to use more native specimens. Do you have any recommendations? Do you have any experiences/advise related to a Sourgum? Thanks!

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 4 replies

Tropical Permaculture Design Course in Feb 08

2008-01-02T01:03:24Z

To anyone going tropical this winter:
There is a permaculture design intensive in Hawaii February 08 with Penny Livingston-Stark. For more details go to Earthcare Gardeners Worldwide tribe at: http://tribes.tribe.net/earthcaregardeners

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

Interesting water film

2007-12-29T13:58:38Z

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1598503208400404583

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

Happy Holiday

2007-12-25T12:36:17Z

For a whole new year is coming again. And it brings new opportunities, new dreams, fun-filled new days may each of you have the best new year .

In Love and Light

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 1 reply

UTAH PERMACULTURE COMMUNITY

2007-12-22T05:39:25Z

The Utah Valley Cohousing Community, to be located south of Salt Lake City and within commuting distance of Utah Valley State College and Brigham Young University, welcomes participation by individuals and families interested in: co-housing, eco-village development, permaculture, and sustainable living in general. The UVCC has no religious or political affiliation. Everyone is welcome. At present we are early in the planning stage, and no site has been selected. The list will serve as forum for discussion, leading (it is hoped) to practical expression in the form of eco-village and/or co-housing development in or near Provo, Utah. Our models are Eco-Village at Ithaca (http://www.ecovillage.ithaca.ny.us/), Champlain Valley Co-Housing (http://www.champlainvalleycohousing.org), the Wasatch Commons (http://www.econ.utah.edu/~ehrbar/coho/index.htm), and Earthsong Eco-Neighborhood (http://www.earthsong.org.nz), suitably modified to local conditions. Un groupe de discussion autour du covoisinage - cohousing - en Utah.

"If it is man's privilege to be independent, it is equally his duty to be inter-dependent." M. K. Gandhi

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/utahvalleycohousing/
http://wiki.utahvalleycohousing.org
http://UVCoHo.blogspot.com (core group; by invitation only)

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

Green Gathering, Aug 29- Sept 1, Vermont

2007-12-20T21:52:24Z

Attend an informal long-weekend with your colleagues this summer.
Recreate, rest, rejuvenate, renew, network, learn, enjoy.
Bring some old friends and make some new ones.
Sit around the campfire beneath the starry sky.
Group activities and events.
Or come for the day.
Vermont
Free.

August 29- Sept 1, 2008
Contact us for registration details, please.
Spread the word!

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

Is hemp the answer?

2007-12-19T14:54:07Z

I have noticed in several threads that hemp comes up as a potentially viable crop for both paper, cloth and oil production. That being said, will not the same problems with monoculture occur if hemp production becomes mainstream? I bring this up because I came across some old Journals of American Agriculture from the early 20th century that have some interesting problems that occurred when hemp was a major crop.

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 24 replies

Houseplant feeding - organic vs. manufactured

2007-12-08T17:10:42Z

Hi. I've been an organic gardener since I was a kid, and have more than 25 years' outdoors experience with the organic approach. I also like houseplants. For quite a while, I was attempting to use some of the soil from my outdoor gardens, and some of the fertilization approaches, with my indoor plants. Only after long and pretty unsatisfactory experience did I learn to use a different growing medium for most of my indoor plants (basically, 40% finely ground bark, 45% coir, 15% perlite)... in an unglazed clay pot. Better aeration and drainage.

But I also had tried to use "organic" amendments to keep the plants growing nicely, producing good foliage and blooms. I used rotted manure, manure and/or compost tea, and fish (emulsion) fertilizer. In the end, I found these generally to be either pretty ineffective (e.g., the compost tea) or messy and smelly (the fish emulsion, rotted manure). So I eventually and a bit reluctantly just settled on Miracle Grow.

I'm a person who enjoys good structure and luxuriant foliage on a houseplant, whether or not it blooms.

Now I do wonder what other people's experience has been with fertilizing indoor plants. And I'm looking at this totally open-mindedly with no value judgements, good people. Please share with me...

Tanemon

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 12 replies

Natural Gardening Social Network

2007-12-08T16:13:26Z

I have set up a social network for gardeners here:

http://naturalgardeners.ning.com/

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

Plant Allies and Their Preparations Workshop with Bonsai Matt -- This Weekend!!!

2007-11-28T04:02:17Z

This Weekend @ T.L.C. Farm: Plant Allies and Their Preparations Workshop

Join us at the farm for a 2 day workshop where we will explore the most local and common of herbs and weeds. We will walk around the wild areas of the farm as well as stroll through the gardens, looking at whats edible, medicinal, or otherwise useful.

Bonsai Matt is a farm resident and has been making herbal preparations for over 10 years and has had a relationship with plants since before he was born.

***PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED***
http://tryonfarm.org/share/node/511
registration cutoff is Friday November 30th-5:00pm. after that, please call!

Winter Workshops Schedule-- 2007-2008 -- Home Page:
http://tryonfarm.org/share/node/530

CONTACT:
Tryon Life Community Farm
503-245-3847
workshops@tryonfarm.org
www.tryonfarm.org

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 2 replies

Brown Tips on my Orchid leaves

2007-11-25T20:28:14Z

I have an indoor potted orchid and the small booklet tells me to keep it moist and once a week to submerge it in water. The tips of the leaves have started to go brown and I am not sure why this it - can any one help?

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 11 replies

A new group for Eco Sustainable Alternative Tech. Mud Junkies

2007-11-22T01:39:00Z

Well, I have pulled myself out of the Hawaiian rain forest once again. With months of computer time ahead of me as I write my second book, I decided to finally start a gr
oup focused on the Eco-Ark Project. Its multiple purposes include raising awareness of the Eco-ark being built in the Puna Rain Forest, encouraging others to start similar projects in their own area, sharing ideas and methodologies for accomplishing these goals, spreading ideas concerning sustainable, Eco-friendly technologies and off grid community living. Spreading knowledge of organic permaculture techniques, to encourage the building of community gardens and the growing of food in publicly accessible places (Green Ribbon Project). And helping each other to restoring this planet to its divinely intended Edenic state before it is too late.

This group will also act as a central meeting place for individuals wishing to join in the continued building of the ark on Hawaii Island next summer.

Check out http://tribes.tribe.net/ecoark? to reach Builders of the Arks! Poke around and see if it sounds like a group you would be interested in participating in. We would enjoy input from all positive, creative souls in resurrecting the balance between humanity and our planet. Aloha!

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 2 replies

thai chili pepper disease?

2007-11-21T00:50:51Z

Hi all, I have two potted thai chili pepper plants. I've grown them from seeds and they are lovely happy plants! Recently though, I've noticed that large portions of their leaves have been dying. They start to turn brown from the tips and there are sometimes white spots on them and they end up shriveled by the end and dried out.

I've looked all through the plants, but I don't see any sign of obvious pests feeding on them or affecting them. This leads me to believe it could be some sort of disease or something? It could be the way I'm caring for them, but I've never seen leaves do this before so I'm assuming that's not it. I water them regularly and don't over-water them either. And they are still giving off healthy peppers. And the leaves that aren't affected are pretty green and healthy.

I've posted some pictures in my photo album of the whole plant sections and also some slightly fuzzy shots of individual leaves and what they are doing.

My one other thought and observation is that it is happening in the back of the plant. Meaning the area of the plant that is least exposed to light...maybe that's the problem?

Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

Western Coalition for Sustainable Living

2007-11-08T16:12:42Z

Hi, we are new on the forum, and want to introduce ourselves through this video we made on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoYPG0PSeAE

Thanks.

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

TRUTH IS FREE; so is my RETREAT --Vermont

2007-11-05T18:45:16Z

I'm looking to network with folks, to extend an invitation to visit Bald Mountain Retreat (www.baldmountainretreat.com) as my guest. Like-minded people who appreciate rustic accommodations are welcome to come up at no charge. (Those who require a private room can inquire about those accommodations as well.)
Basically, I'm offering people the opportunity to come stay with a retired naturopathic doctor in a truly amazing natural setting, secluded, idyllic, peaceful...
Also, if you might like to lead a retreat, please contact me.
Thank you and you are welcome,
Dr David

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

permaculture education media

2007-11-05T17:26:57Z

a little party
in the red leaves...
mountain deer

- issa

Heart Gardens Education
Media Platform

From the Elphinstone Rainforests Heart Gardens comes a new template for all ages permacultured eco-education. I am happy to announce the emergence of

www.heartgardens.com

You will require the new version of flash to interact with this website. This is freely and easily acquirable on the web and if you do not have it already, the link will automatically appear on your browser to get it. Once you have it, the website will just open and work without you having to open any programs or files.

The main feature is the SITEMAP, an exploration of the 32 gardens and over 200 plants in this living classroom. This has been a year in the works, and now you can see pictures of the different gardens in all the four seasons experiencing the plants in their different seasonal growth patterns.

With a physical location people and classes can visit themselves, the web platform provides all ages school curriculums helping to teach about permaculture, native plants, bioregional ecology, organic gardening and sustainable development.

This is the starting point for the development of online correspondence courses which include flashed online exercises, video clips, audio streams, slideshows, activities and reading material that people can engage on their own schedule while focussing applied activities toward their own homes and landbase. The first of these is to be a Permaculture Design Certification Course.

We are seeking support grants to develop this permacultured eco-education platform into an all ages education, correspondence learning site inspired by the classes, courses and tours that take place in the Heart Gardens in downtown Roberts Creek. Let us know if you are aware of any grants, support possibilities, donors or independent funders that might help us to develop both the gardens, the educational elements and the web platform.

permaculture design team

content development : delvin www.gaiacraft.com
flash web design : silverbirch www.starseeddesign.ca
flash hugel class : simon www.symbiosonic.com
plant vectors : sijay www.onbeyondmetamedia.com
plant pictures : poxin www.poxin.org

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

Plants and stuff that grows

2007-11-03T13:11:45Z

Manuel asks if we know anything about plants and stuff that grows. I think that is a good question, though a good place to start would be a specific question asked or a subject that we can discuss. Let's move on folks!

Let me see, I will start. I live in the pacific northwest and I was wondering what this consortium believes compost rates would be in winter where day time temps are above freezing, often in the 40's, and night time temps are sometimes in the twenties but mostly the thirties. The compost container is a county issued plastic thing with a lid, it is black, and doesn't seem to allow a lot of moisture in, though the air is full of it, as are the food scraps.

I haven't begun to use it yet, though I have a bucket inside full of scraps. I have only used a direct in the ground system or a vermiculture set up, so this is new to me. Thanks!

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 5 replies

bee update

2007-10-24T12:51:11Z

http://www.denverpost.com/nationworld/ci_7114905

Worsening plight of the bumblebee worries scientists

By JEFF BARNARD Associated Press Writer
Article Last Updated: 10/08/2007 01:29:16 AM MDT

GRANTS PASS, Ore.—Looking high and low, Robbin Thorp can no longer
find a
species of bumblebee that just five years ago was plentiful in
northwestern
California and southwestern Oregon.

Thorp, an emeritus professor of entomology from the University of
California at Davis, found one solitary worker last year along a remote
mountain trail in the Siskiyou Mountains, but hasn't been able to locate
any this year.

He fears that the species—Franklin's bumblebee—has gone extinct before
anyone could even propose it for the endangered species list. To make
matters worse, two other bumblebee species—one on the East coast, one on
the West—have gone from common to rare.

Amid the uproar over global warming and mysterious disappearances of
honeybee colonies, concern over the plight of the lowly bumblebee has
been
confined to scientists laboring in obscurity.

But if bumblebees were to disappear, farmers and entomologists warn, the
consequences would be huge, especially coming on top of the problems
with
honeybees, which are active at different times and on different crop
species.

Bumblebees are responsible for pollinating an estimated 15 percent of
all
the crops grown in the U.S., worth $3 billion, particularly those
raised in
greenhouses. Those include tomatoes, peppers and strawberries.

Demand is growing as honeybees decline. In the wild, birds and bears
depend
on bumblebees for berries and fruits.

There is no smoking gun yet, but a recent National Academy of Sciences
report on the status of pollinators around the world blames a
combination
of habitat lost to housing developments and intensive agriculture,
pesticides, pollution and diseases spilling out of greenhouses using
commercial bumblebee hives.

"We have been naive," said Neal Williams, assistant professor of
biology at
Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. "We haven't been diligent the way we
need to be."

The threat has bumblebee advocates lobbying Congress to allocate more
money
for research and to create incentives for farmers to leave uncultivated
land for habitat. They also want farmers to grow more flowering
plants that
native bees feed on.

"We are smart enough to deal with this," said Laurie Adams, executive
director of the Pollinator Partnership. "There is hope."

Companies in Europe, Israel and Canada adapted bumblebees to
commercial use
in the early 1990s, and they are now standard in greenhouses raising
tomatoes and peppers.

Demand is growing as supplies of honeybees decline, especially for field
crops such as blueberries, cranberries, watermelon, squash, and
raspberries, said Holly Burroughs, general manager for production for
the
U.S. branch of Koppert Biological Systems Inc., a Netherlands company
that
sells most of the commercial bumblebees in the U.S.

One new customer is Tony Davis of Quail Run Farm in Grants Pass. He has
long depended on volunteer bumblebees to fertilize the squash,
cucumbers,
tomatoes and eggplant he grows outdoors for sale in growers' markets.
When
he started growing strawberries in greenhouses this year to get a
jump on
the competition, he bought commercial bumblebee hives to fertilize them.

"Without bumblebees, I would be out of business. I don't think I could
hand-pollinate all these plants," he said.

Scientists hoping to pinpoint the cause of the nation's honeybee decline
recently identified a previously unknown virus, but stress that
parasitic
mites, pesticides and poor nutrition all remain suspects.

Unlike honeybees, which came to North America with the European
colonists
of the 17th century, bumblebees are natives. They collect pollen and
nectar
to feed to their young, but make very little honey.

A huge problem facing scientists is how "appallingly little we know
about
our pollinating resources," said University of Illinois entomology Prof.
May Berenbaum, who headed the National Academy of Sciences report.

Scott Black, executive director of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate
Conservation in Portland, worries that on top of pesticides and
narrowing
habitats, disease could be the last straw for many of the bee species.

"It definitely could all come crashing down," he said.

More on bumblebees: http://www.bumblebee.org

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 4 replies

What are good food crops to grow in winter in Bay area?

2007-10-12T22:37:34Z

And how much sun is needed?

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 4 replies

Permaculture Credit Union

2007-10-10T23:00:50Z

Permaculture Credit Union: http://pcuonline.org/index.html

want to know why credit unions are so much better than banks?: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9050474362583451279

want to know more about permaculture?: http://www.permaculture.org/nm/index.php/site/index/

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

Wanted: Cow horns

2007-10-10T22:25:16Z

Hello,
I am looking for some naturally shed cow horns, preferably from an organic, grass fed, milk cow.
Does anyone have any they would like to sell, trade, or give away?
Neil

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 38 replies

Need marketing advice on selling solar home

2007-10-09T14:35:53Z

Any good ideas on how to reach a target audience of folks who would be looking for a solar powered sustainable living homestead in the beautiful "middle of nowhere"? We are finding it difficult to sell, even though it's priced at a steal, and an amazing place! (Check out my listings)

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

Fall Ecology and Harvest: An Intergenerational Exploration

2007-10-03T02:19:26Z

October 13-14, 2007 (Saturday-Sunday)
at Lost Valley Educational Center, Dexter, OR

We invite people ages 12 through 112 to join us to learn about fall ecology, indigenous tradition, and the harvest season here in the western Cascade foothills. Throughout this weekend of presentations, discussions, and activities, we'll explore how we can learn from one another and pass ecological wisdom and insights back and forth between generations. The schedule (subject to change) is as follows:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13 morning: indigenous traditions and their modern applications
9-9:30 am: introduction/welcome circle
9:30-10:30 am: Esther Stutzman (Kalapuyan storyteller)
10:40-11:30 am: presentation and discussion circle featuring Bill Burwell (Kalapuya researcher), Jerry Hall (ethnobotanist, Lane Community College), Dharmika Henschel (ethnobotanist/musician), Jude Hobbs (Permaculture teacher and designer, Agroecology Northwest), and Rick Valley (Lost Valley land steward, Permaculture teacher and designer)
11:30 am-12:10 pm: break-out groups
12:10-12:30 pm: concluding morning circle
12:30-1:30 pm: lunch

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13 afternoon and evening: seasonal harvest activities, ecological restoration, ecovillage development, youth initiatives, and bioregional culture
2-4:30 pm: tour (Rick Valley) and hands-on harvest- and land-related activities
4:45-5:45 pm: Alison Rosenblatt (NextGEN--Global Ecovillage Network)
6-7 pm: dinner
7:30 pm on: music (Dharmika Henschel and others), sharing circle about traditional seasonal celebrations, stories, poems, networking

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14 morning: school gardening, youth, and horticultural exploration
7:30-8:30 am: breakfast
9-9:30 am: morning welcome circle
9:30-9:50 am: Sharon Blick (former director, School Garden Project)
9:50-10:10 am: Jen Anonia (Food for Lane County Gardens Program Manager)
10:10-10:30 am: Heiko Koester (Permacultural landscaper, Eugene Permaculture Guild)
10:40-11:20 am: Sarah Kleeger and Andrew Still (Seed Ambassadors Project)
11:30 am-12:30 pm: discussion
12:30-1:30 pm: lunch

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14 afternoon: autumn ecology and ethnobotany
2-4:15 pm: talks and walks with Dave Kofranek (lichenologist), Tobias Policha (ethnobotanist, Institute of Contemporary Ethnobotany), Heiko Koester, and others
4:30-5:30 pm: closing circle

Conference registration fees, including four organic vegetarian meals, are $105 for students 12 and above, $135 for non-students. Overnight lodging ($30) and camping ($10) are also available. We are offering a $10 discount/rebate from your registration fee for each paying registrant who first heard about the event through you, or who cites you as his or her primary influence in considering attending. A limited number of worktrade scholarships are available (for an application, follow the link within the online registration form at www.lostvalley.org/fallecology/registration). If space allows, we will also accept single-day attendees for $80 Saturday only, $65 Sunday only (or, for students, $65 Saturday only, $50 Sunday only.) See www.lostvalley.org/fallecology for updated event details, or contact Fall Ecology and Harvest Event, 81868 Lost Valley Lane, Dexter, OR 97431, (541) 937-2567 x116, nature AT lostvalley.org.

brochure: www.lostvalley.org/files/Fall%20Ecology%20and%20Harvest%20brochure.pdf
poster: www.lostvalley.org/files/Fall%20Ecology%20and%20Harvest%20poster.pdf

Cosponsors:
Lost Valley Nature Center
Lost Valley Educational Center’s 87 acres include oak savanna, natural meadow, stream and riparian areas, ponds, extensive forest lands in various states of maturity, gardens and orchards. Our diverse habitats and several miles of nature trails offer unique environmental education opportunities. Lost Valley Nature Center sponsors walks and public events (like May’s Native Plants and Permaculture Gathering) to help nature-lovers learn from the land and from one another.

NextGEN
NextGEN is a global network organized by young adults concerned with issues of sustainability. We hope to inspire you with examples of viable and positive choices for the future. We offer opportunities for action through conferences, educational workshops, and direct experience in communities. Our international support network develops connections among activists and encourages resource sharing.

Excerpts from May’s Native Plants and Permaculture Conference Proceedings:

Bill Burwell: At the start of each harvest season the Kalapuyans would have a first gathering ceremony. The spiritual leader of each winter village site would harvest a few articles of each resource, bring it back, prepare it in a ceremonial way, bless the plants or animals that were responsible, and then the regular harvest could begin. The first gathering ceremony was very important to them, and it was practiced all throughout the Kalapuya culture, religiously. Their belief was that all plants and animals, including humans, were part of the same format. As above, so below. Just like humans, plants and all animals had families, and then beyond the families they had communities.

There’s one word I know of that was utilized all the way up and down the Willamette Valley, the lower Columbia, and into the Salish area in Washington: Tamanawas. It’s been translated as spirit power. People who went out on a vision quest were looking for their Tamanawas. I think what it really related to was a person’s ability to interconnect with all the rest of nature. I’ve collected a number of tales of the people going out into the woods to find a particular medicine, and their ability to find this medicine came from the ability to plug into that certain plant and interact with it. The plant actually was the teacher of the person who was going out on the search.

Jerry Hall: When we started learning our language, songs began coming to us. There is the belief that songs are just in the ether or in the air, and they select somebody to come to at a time in that person’s life. … My experience is that singing evokes something from us that is beyond talking and gives expression to prayer.

I feel that nature is really part of the home and that people related that way five hundred years ago. People knew where everything was and they took care of it.

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

Seeking Rooibos & Honeybush Plants

2007-10-02T22:15:15Z

Hey,

Does anyone know of a nursery that sells rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) or honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) plants? If so, please shoot me a link or a phone number.

Thanks!

Dave

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 2 replies

Nitrogen lock, was cow horns

2007-09-27T16:09:11Z

Jeb,
I'm not familiar with this. What is the nitrogen lock?
I'm going to look it up, but what's your take?

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 4 replies

To "clean" soil...

2007-09-27T01:41:31Z

...what would be a good, attractive bunch of plants to start right now? I'm moving into a place with several patches of dirt that have not been tended (other than weeding) in a long time. The condition of the soil is questionable. I have some idea, and though I will probably put in some rosemary and a few other hearties, it would be nice to put in some natives. Are there butterfly/hummingbird attractors that will also renutrient the soil to some degree? The location is partial-fog, in the southeast area of San Francisco. Any ideas?

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 27 replies

Harvest Festival - Sonoma County Herb Association and Laguna Farm

2007-09-17T21:57:29Z

Harvest Festival at Laguna Farm, 1720 Cooper Rd., Sebastopol

Saturday, September 29 from 3 to 10pm

Afternoon Events:
Laguna Farm and Alternative Energy Tour with Farmer Scott Mathieson
Herb-Related Demonstrations, Lectures, Herb Walk
Traveling Minstrels, Belly Dancing by Jodi
Kids Eco Zone by Earth Roots Collective

Music:
Free Peoples
Madera Humana
The Jug Dealers

Local Brews, Herbal Teas and Edible Delicacies
Herbal Vendors of Plants, Books, Cosmetics and Herb Products, and More!

Admission Donation: $10 Adults, Children 12 and under are Free
A Family Friendly Benefit
All proceeds benefit the Sonoma County Herb Exchange and the Sonoma County Herb Association

http://www.sonomaherbs.org

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

would this be of interest?

2007-09-07T01:54:18Z

Hi Tribe,
I have been asked to help produce a 9 day natural building/permaculture event on a new piece of land just south of the Baja border.
I am looking for feedback on all aspects including value,interest and curriculum.
please respond to scottankenypdx@gmail.com
Here are the details...

Oct 27 – Nov 4

Imagine a revolutionary oasis built with your very own hands
as you exercise in natural building and whole system design principles.

Imagine a community of passionate people learning what it means to be human beings,
immersed in an environment of self-expression, of listening, and of appreciation,
while they build beautifully and sustainably.

Introducing GiraSol (Sunflower), a new permaculture settlement breaking ground in November 2007. We invite you to be a part of this amazing experience by participating in a nine-day course designed to bring you competency in Permaculture and Earthen Building Methods.

Imagine yourself as part of that community…Living. Building. Playing.

This nine-day intensive design/build studio will combine natural building techniques (cobb, adobe, stone, straw/clay, passive/active heating systems) with presentations, discussions, exercises, and fun field trips.

GiraSol’s ground-breaking workshop will provide training in regenerative village design, natural construction and permaculture theory while establishing the GiraSol information center through hands-on work. The design will integrate a century-old adobe structure into a whimsical new building, seemingly sprung from the canvas of a Maxfield Parrish painting.

Led by mOceaN (Mark Lakeman), Lydia Doleman and Martin Shulke of Portland’s City Repair Project, the GiraSol Intensive will take place from 10/27/07 to 11/04/07. We will be camping as a group in the beautiful Baja desert, and all meals will be provided.

Basics

Location: GiraSol is a 200-acre parcel situated in Valle de las Palmas (Valley of the Palms), about 20 miles south of the U.S./Mexico Border and 30 miles from the Pacific Ocean between the major cities of Tijuana, Ensenada & Tecate. This new Center is on a vast tract of beautiful land in the valley, along a road from Ensenada to Tecate which is currently under construction. This road will bring unprecedented real estate development to this relatively undisturbed agrarian area. GiraSol strives to be a jewel in the Baja landscape by providing an example of sustainable community design.

Course Description: You will receive training AND become competent in the following areas:

1. regenerative village design and earthen building methods
2. biomass accumulation and use, plastering
3. roof framing
4. integrated landscaping
5. water catchment, re-use, and finishing methods.

Construction will be accompanied by discussions of the ecological features and benefits of each building phase. Through two field trips we will explore the local community by travelling to a wildlife preserve and taking part in Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Daily Activities

6 a.m.
7 a.m.
8 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
Noon
2 p.m.
4–6 p.m.
6:30
8–10 p.m.
Moving Meditation
Breakfast & Daily Overview
Discussion of Daily Work Focus
Begin Field Project Work
Lunch and Siesta at the Lunch Palace
Village Design Discussion
Resume Filed Project Work
Communal Dinner
Evening Presentation/Discussion, Fire Circle

Dates: 10/27–11/04, 2007
Cost: $450

Reservations & Questions: Contact Scott Ankeny at 503.853.9376 or e-mail: scottankenypdx@gmail.com
Curriculum

There will be two tracks of education running at the same time.
Each student will be involved in both activities of building and landscaping

Day 1: Check-in, Orientation, Dinner, Campfire/Permaculture & GiraSol Overview
Day 2: Foundations, Biomass Accumulation*, Dialogue—Strategies and Practices
Day 3: Building Adobe Walls/Other Earthen Building Methods, Village Design & Community Building
Day 4: Adobe Walls, Water & Biomass Accumulation, Swales, Dialogue
Day 5: Plastering Walls, Swales, Natural Building
Day 6: Roof Framing, Tree-Planting in Biomass-filled Swales, Dialogue
Day 7: Field Trip (Ocean), Food Systems, Village Ecosystems, Spa & Special Places
Day 8: Roofing and Water, Water Catchment/Systems, Eco-Intervention
Day 9: Finishing & Systems, Visioning
Day 10: Completion, Afterparty, Departure

*Biomass piece will include the whole process — from mulching to retain rainwater
to improved soil structure resulting in increased food potentials.

Order of Construction
Foundation, Walls, Windows/Doors, Plaster, Framing, Roof

Evening Presentations
GiraSol: Story and Overview
Global Challenge, “Anti-Virus” Plan
Village Design
Inherent Nature
Case Studies of Successful Eco-Centers

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 0 replies

Diseased Fuerte Avocado Tree

2007-09-06T16:36:22Z

I live here in california, san diego and i have this lovely avocado tree that i purchased from a nursery the tree has not beared fruit because i keep it in a planter because i am renting property and when i move i will plant it in the ground..i water it give it sun but i do not know why its like this..anyone know?

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 2 replies

Diseased Pear Tree

2007-08-30T09:55:56Z

I have two lovely old pear trees her in Romania where I live. The leaves have started to go black and then the branch falls off. A local man said that we might as well cut them down as they are dying but they are still baring fruit and look good (when healthy) and wondered if anyone had any ideas???

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 3 replies

centipedes

2007-08-22T00:12:59Z

ok so i dont have a garden in the ground its more of a nice size patio filled with potted plants...well recently ive had some major issues with little centipedes in almost all of my plant pots...they seemed to be causing or at least i think, some of my plants to die off (their are litterally hundreds when u turn the soil a bit) i used a few pesticides which i really dont like to do and nothing has worked...anyone have any ideas on what else i could try? i really dont have a problem with bugs but centipedes meet one of my icky spots..(they traumatized me as a boy)

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 6 replies

Bird and Bat friendly wind turbine

2007-08-15T23:39:49Z

This turbine is quiet too. Any thoughts for garden use? Water pumping? Ideas?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9flSPAdOLk

arrow

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 1 reply

Hollyhocks

2007-08-13T01:50:10Z

I have some hollyhocks which have not bloomed, but have lots of foliage? Anything I can do to promote bloom? Others have bloomed great.

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 2 replies

Paulowinia Treees

2007-08-06T19:08:51Z

We put another I in Here because these trees rock!! anyone know about them?????????Im out here In NM in ABQ would these work near the Bosque? They have a fantastic growth rate up to 30 Feet in One year?????imagine that..........

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 1 reply

tyre question

2007-08-06T09:16:16Z

Hope this is the right tribe to ask in :) Im new.

So I just finished pulling up an old vegepatch, moving it to a more appropriate area in my backyard. I want to build this one up a bit of the ground because I dont have the worlds best back. I had sourced some old tyres to use and was planning on building the it with this, I thought it would be a good way to make use of old tyres and also that it would keep the grass out.

Ive been told that tyres can leach heavy metals into the garden, so this has turned me off the idea...can anyone give me any idea if this is true? I have googled and didnt come back with any definitive answer. If its not a good idea does anyone have any suggestions as to what else I could use. I want to use recycled materials but am steering clear of local woods (which do have some volatile oils in them) as well as treated timber (yuck). Im all ears to any suggestions.

cheers

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 26 replies

raised bed garden

2007-08-02T17:52:41Z

I live in Oakland, Ca. I'm trying to build a raised bed garder. I've laid down this black sheet of plastic that's supposed to keep the weeds from growing through and have put down a thin layer of mulch on top of that. I'd like to ring the enterprise with tree stumps. I'm now shopping for soil to use. It's not that big of space, but from the little shopping I've done so far, it seems like it's gonna cost me bout a hundred plus to get it to the height I want. I'be checked out American Soil in Albany and Home Depot. Any suggestions on how to bring the cost down?

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 8 replies

Naigobya, Uganda

2007-07-31T13:03:47Z

Greetings, for several month I have been working as an online volunteer
with nabuur.com.

One of the projects is located in Naigobya, Uganda
and they are looking for a tractor.

"This community seeks the development of a Farmer Training School which is
a demonstration and training farm plots for the hand-on practice and
learning of modern and sustainable crop technologies. For this purpose
they need assistance to purchase a Disc Plough Tractor machine which will
help in establishment of demonstration gardens where the members will
learn by doing with modern technologies and crop varieties. This tractor
machine will also assist members in cultivating for whoever will
contribute fuel which is enough to clear his/ her field."

The above is copied from their request. If anyone wants any more
information or has some suggestions you may contact me offline.

permafrog@riseup.net
Thank you,

posted in Horticulture and Permaculture - 15 replies