Well, it is that time of year again--the time of year where I realize just how far behind in the garden I really am! Still have tomatoes on the vine, beds haven't been prepared for winter yet--which means no compost, no cover crop....aye aye aye. Although this might seem daunting, like something I should be overwhelmed over, the anticipation of when the new seed catalogs are going to arrive and the excitement of choosing new species to try, have overpowered any sense of being unprepared for the next season.
Check out these websites for more great info!
http://www.fedcoseeds.com
http://www.johnnyseeds.com
http://attra.ncat.org/organic.html
For the sake of sharing news and ideas regarding the cultivation and increased awareness of becoming better stewards of the Planet
Love is in the Air
Getting love from Patrick and Becca, proud new parents! Need a pup?
About Me
- Gabi
- Hello! As an employee of Howard and Donna Bright, I was asked to provide another voice to the blogging network of Ion Exchange and The Natural Gait. My job is very much a part of my life, and Ion has allowed me to explore various facets of native plants and herbal remedies, as well as promoting an exploration of my lifestyle. My intentions with this blog are to share my interests, provide a forum for discussion, and to link with other organizations and individuals who share common interests and make the world a smaller place!
Mary
Meet Mary, Seed Room manager, and whom I spend the majority of my days with! What a patient woman!
Terra
My wonderful cat
Misty Morning
January 21, 2008 The Yellow River after heavy snowfall.
Early Morning
Another shot of the Yellow River, January 21, 2008
The Office
BRRRR!
Nosy Neighbors
Meet Arnie: curious, playful, and has the most wonderful sleepy eyes all day long!
Local Restaurants, Local Fare
- La Rana Bistro, Decoah, IA
- The Twisted Chicken, McGregor, IA
- The 66 Cafe, Waukon, IA
- Rubayats, Decorah, IA
- T-Bocks Bar and Grill, Decorah, IA
Great Links
- 1. Ion Exchange--Native Plant Nursery
- 2. Robin Van En Center--Dedicated to the wonderful world of CSA's!
- 3. Grown Locally--A source of fresh, local produce, meats, cheeses, and herbs
- 4. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
- 5. Pacific Yurts
- 6. The North House Folk School
- 7. Mayan Calendar Portal
- 8. Iowa Food and Fitness Coalition
On the Shelf...
"The Contrary Farmer" by Gene Logsdon
A couple days ago I picked up a book that has been on my shelf for over a year--and is, as of yet, unread. I have a thing about books--that when you're ready to read it, you'll pick it up. After devouring the introductory poem (Wendell Berry's "The Contrariness of the Mad Farmer", one of my long-time favorites), I know I am ready for this one. "The Contrary Farmer" by Gene Logsdon, looks to provide answers to the decline of family farms and the communities that are centered around this way of life.
Excerpt taken from the back cover:
The Contrary Farmer "combines the virtues of a manual for the practicing farmer with eloquent meditations in praise of work and pleasure. The book gives its readers tools and tenets, but also hilarious stories and beautiful evocations of the Ohio countryside Logsdon knows as his place in the universe."
I am hoping this book will provide even more fuel to my love of family farming, as well as provide a forum for discussion and critical thought--to introduce ideas that will allow a deep exploration of my lifestyle, and the lifestyle of the greater United States. How do we move back to a direction of small family farms when we have been so eager to remove ourselves from the processes needed for survival. How much information has been lost already--about the land, the seed, about farming--that will not be recovered because we have been too busy to pay attention to our ancsetors? What can I do to have a more intimate connection with the source of my food (clothing, cleaning supplies....etc).
What is it to know a place? To have an intimate relationship with a piece of Earth? I hope this book will inspire me to explore the answer to these questions with my own life's journey.
A couple days ago I picked up a book that has been on my shelf for over a year--and is, as of yet, unread. I have a thing about books--that when you're ready to read it, you'll pick it up. After devouring the introductory poem (Wendell Berry's "The Contrariness of the Mad Farmer", one of my long-time favorites), I know I am ready for this one. "The Contrary Farmer" by Gene Logsdon, looks to provide answers to the decline of family farms and the communities that are centered around this way of life.
Excerpt taken from the back cover:
The Contrary Farmer "combines the virtues of a manual for the practicing farmer with eloquent meditations in praise of work and pleasure. The book gives its readers tools and tenets, but also hilarious stories and beautiful evocations of the Ohio countryside Logsdon knows as his place in the universe."
I am hoping this book will provide even more fuel to my love of family farming, as well as provide a forum for discussion and critical thought--to introduce ideas that will allow a deep exploration of my lifestyle, and the lifestyle of the greater United States. How do we move back to a direction of small family farms when we have been so eager to remove ourselves from the processes needed for survival. How much information has been lost already--about the land, the seed, about farming--that will not be recovered because we have been too busy to pay attention to our ancsetors? What can I do to have a more intimate connection with the source of my food (clothing, cleaning supplies....etc).
What is it to know a place? To have an intimate relationship with a piece of Earth? I hope this book will inspire me to explore the answer to these questions with my own life's journey.
Bookworm--Books relating to our Environment
- "Carrots Love Tomatoes: Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful Gardening" by Louise Riotte
- The Sustainable Vegetable Garden: A Backyard Guide to Healthy Soil and Higher Yields" by John Jeavons and Carol Cox
- • "Biodiesel: Growing a New Energy Economy" by Greg Pahl
- • "From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank: The Complete Guide to Using Vegetable Oil as an Alternative Fuel" by Joshua Tickell
- • "Natural Goat Care" by Pat Coleby
- • "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck
- • "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss
- • "The Outermost House" by Henry Beston
- • "The Skeptical Environmentalist" by Bjorn Lomborg
- • "Wild Plant Family Cookbook" by Patricia K. Armstrong