My lawn sings....

Well, summer is finally winding down, and so begins the work of putting the garden to bed. I have begun seed saving, both flowers and vegetables, some composting, and putting away decorations. I have picked a small mountain of oregano and have it hanging to dry in the greenhouse. I plan to dry some chives, sage and thyme as well.
I took down our screen tent, and while pulling up the stakes, I noticed how many crickets were hanging out on the screens. Once the tent was rolled up and the bare patch of grass was exposed, I could see through the yellowing grass roots how many crickets were really there. And in a moment of pause, I could hear a cacophony of cricket legs hoping to find each other. It was really nice.

I am planning to re-offer my saved seeds this year at a local event's fundraiser. So this year, I am taking pictures of the plants to accompany the seeds so buyers can see what the plants looked like. I think it's a great idea...one that is obviously used by commercial seed sellers. However, I use little brown manila envelopes that I hand decorate, so a photo with each packet is not practical.

On a side note, I am glad to see so many friends and colleagues working toward more food sustainability, and raising awareness toward such things. At the same time, while I feel good about the work that I'm doing, I really feel that it is just a drop in the rain barrel, hahaha. I am planning to read more this winter about permaculture while I do some research for a book I am planning to write. I have not purchased a pressure canner yet, like I had hoped. Nor I have processed as much of the season's harvest as I would have liked. I have hundreds of empty mason jars in the basement, and it bothers me every time I walk by them, lamenting the lost opportunity to make pickles, salsa, or jam. This is due to having a small baby this summer who is absolutely terrific! So, I am trying to be more forgiving with myself for not being as much of a squirrel that I would like to have been this year.

Agriculture with a future comes to dinner | Energy Bulletin

Agriculture with a future comes to dinner | Energy Bulletin

After the break....

Once Lily, Sylvia and I had begun, there was no looking back. We had two grocery buggies full of sod and weeds, which are composting in the back garden as I type. I had nearly 30 plants to be arranged once we had laid down the landscaping material, which went on top of leaf and grass clippings. The clippings were covering the layer of cardboard and newspapers. I really enjoy the lasagna method. Do not disturb the weed seeds, many of which may have been laying dormant for decades. I do expect some weeds to push through, but will be manageable.
We laid down 4 stepping stones, so that, come spring, I will be able to delicately pounce through the garden without damaging any plants or their roots. We have given the herbs and perennials plenty of space to spread out, and I will use marigolds, alysum and nasturtium to fill in the blank spots. The ladder, gnome, and shells add some whimsy. I'll store all of the decorations in the shed over the winter.

This project would not have been possible without the gift of labour from friends! I shared some soup, cookies and herbal iced tea in exchange. Thanks for reading!

Photos from the lawn conversion

First, the before photos - we had to remove the layer of grass and weeds, then frame out the space, dig, shake all the soil from the roots of the removed grass, then, we took a short break. Lily laid out the first piece of landscaping material. It was a great day for the job.

A Third More Flowers!

I am happy to share that a couple of friends, Lily and Sylvia, joined me last Saturday to tackle the front lawn. I had purchased 40 perennial flowers and herbs to be planted on the front lawn. We dug up the top layer of grass, which consisted mostly of weeds, then laid down some cardboard, some leaf mold and grass clippings, upon which we laid down a layer of landscaping material. Four bags of top soil, which was barely enough, went on top. Lily and I then dug through the material and mulches to plant all the flowers and herbs. We then went about decorating......
I put out an old ladder which we wrapped the morning glories around, a garden gnome for good luck, three shepherd's hooks with lanterns, and some large sea shells.
I think it looks terrific! Next spring....I'll have a better idea of what needs to be added. A nice selection of flowers, herbs and ground covers - all growing beside the bachelor buttons, dill, sage and nasturtiums. All I need now are some bricks or stones to give it a polished look.
While doing the work, I kept thinking how several of my neighbours were watching us. This is the second lawn on the street to do something like this. Lawn replacing is really outside the norm still, on this street at least, and people might be afraid that this will negatively affect their property values. Or, it might inspire them to eliminate their time consuming, and petroleum consuming lawns.
I drew my inspiration from H.C. Flores' book "Food not Lawns". Next spring, I plan to sneak in some parsley, some red swiss chard, and some giant orange amaranth. Lastly, I am happy to be invited to attend the upcoming urban food conference here in London at Brescia University College, Oct 16th, and hopefully, as a member with Seeds of Diversity Canada.
Photos of the lawn conversion to be posted shortly. Thanks for reading!

Career advice

Career advice

Been busy with Ethan......

Spring and early summer have already flown by. Our new baby, Ethan Thomas, is now 10 weeks old, and is such a joy. Early in the morning, I take him along with me for my daily garden inspection. With some help from some friends, a modest garden was planted this year.
The closer backdoor garden is doing really well with 4 types of lettuce, chard, bok choy, yellow zucchini, watermelon, tomato, tatsoi, and cucumber. I didn't have to plant any flowers this year, the nasturtium popped up all over by themselves.

In the back garden, I planted lima, blue jay, yellow wax, purple-podded, and pole beans. The peas went in a little late but are still doing well. Intermingled with the beans are a few carrots, basil, and a mess of transplanted green onions. I am experimenting with a row of organic potatoes this year as well.

In late June, we had to say goodbye to our beloved Merlin (picture is below), who passed away June 24th. With a heavy heart we planted his body beside the strawberry patch and transplanted a giant sunflower on his grave. His earthly essence will become energy for the birds and squirrels.

Right now, with the lack of rain and no water from the rain barrel, I'm glad I mulched with straw. I did cheat a little this year though. With a lack of infinate time to spend in the garden, I used a weeper hose in the back garden. I hooked up the hose and I can deliver water directly to the plant's roots. I also managed to dig up another small patch on the front lawn, and transplanted sage, peonies and hollyhocks. Next spring I will dig up the space between the flower island and the new patch to make one bigger area for herbs and flowers.

I did receive 4 orders for seeds from members of Seeds of Diversity Canada this spring, and was glad to send my saved seeds to fellow Canadian gardeners. Hope they're doing well.
I have recently bought 2 new gardening books: Vertical growing & Seed to Seed. Lastly, this year I plan to buy a pressure canner so I can bottle a few more foods, including peaches, corn, peas and carrots, and some soups. I'll keep you filled in on my research for a good pressure canner and an outdoor burner. I can't use a pressure canner on our stove because it is a glass top stove......

Here are some nice pictures of Ethan.....