Espalier Pear Tree, Cordon Pattern
by Catherine Haug, April 18, 2012
(photo fromWikipedia)
Espalier, though originally developed by the Romans for fruit trees, was perfected in France; hence it’s French name (pronounced es-PAL-yay). From Better Homes & Gardens, “An espalier is a living fence created by training small trees into decorative patterns.”
There’s lots to like in a fruit tree espalier: (more…)
Don Bates makes a point
by Catherine Haug, April 6, 2012
(photo, left, by E. Blackler)
This was a fun and inspiring evening with MonaRae Tuhy and Don Bates, on seed starting and related topics. And Stephanie offered a great dessert: Berry Crisp with Whipped Cream.
This is just a short synopsis; you can find more detail in the complete, printable pdf file: Gathering Summary: Getting Ready to Grow Stuff, March 21, 2012, and in the handouts. Read on for handouts, presentation topics, and references & resources. (more…)
No-Till Farming
by Catherine Haug, March 29, 2012
(photo, right, of no-till farming, from Fairfax Co. Virginia)
From the OCA’s March 29, 2012 newsletter:
“Symphony of the Soil is director/producer Deborah Koons Garcia’s follow-up to the Future of Food, the best documentary on genetic engineering. This new film makes the case that returning to soil-enriching organic agriculture is the only way for humanity to reverse and survive the triple crisis that faces us: peak oil, global climate change, and the toxification of our environment.”
To view a clip, purchase a DVD, or join their Soil Community, go to SymphonyOfTheSoil.com.
This is more than a film, it is a Project to improve the quality of the earth’s soil, so that it can continue to sustain us through future generations. On their Issues webpage, they direct you to learn more about the following: (more…)
Honeybee
by Catherine Haug, March 24, 2012
(photo, right from BugGuide.net)
The Bigfork Eagle included a great article in their Living Green supplement this week: “Tips for an eco-friendly garden space.” I’m sorry I cannot give credit to whomever wrote it, because the article doesn’t include the author’s name. Read on for my take on the three ideas, one of my own, and links to other articles on this subject. (more…)
D. Bates Squash Garden in August
by Catherine Haug, March 20, 2012
(photo, right, by Don Bates)
It’s time to get busy preparing your garden for the season. Some of us already have gardens; some are thinking about creating a garden; and others are utilizing their local community garden (such as Bigfork-Ferndale Community Garden at St. Patrick’s). The seed companies have sent out their seed catalogues for us to drool over. Have you caught the gardening bug?
Mother Earth News has some great articles on garden design, soil health and other gardening topics:
Honeybee
by Catherine Haug, February 28, 2012
Perhaps one of the most important things we can do to honor Earth Day (which is coming up on April 22), is a small thing: sign the pledge for honeybees, to save them from Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), and then take the appropriate actions in your yard.
There has been a lot of research about CCD, and a lot of debate as to its cause, whether pesticides or pests (pathogens). But one thing is certain: pesticides play a very important role in CCD.
Sign the Pledge for Honeybees, and see below for more info and links to other articles on bees and CCD. (more…)