Tag Archives: local food

Gardening for Wildlife

My aspirations for living life as sustainably as I can probably began when I was a young girl deeply concerned with the well-being of other creatures. Although my interests and understanding of life and nature have spiraled out a great deal since then to encompass many more concerns and observations that I’ve made, I remain fascinated and indebted to the teachings of wild animals.

So when we’re discussing designs for the future, to me, it’s important to incorporate wild animals into (or near) our spaces.  Nonhuman animals have many lessons to share with us and are also essential to properly functioning ecosystems. Landscapes designed for wildlife are also beautiful and life affirming.

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A Late Lammas Reflection

The peak of summer has crested and now it is time to ride out the remainder of these long days, grateful for the warmth and light as we head closer to Autumn.

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Hands-On Permaculture

After almost two weeks of intensive living and learning, I have my Permaculture Design Certificate from Midwest Permaculture! It’s my first full day away from the course and I’m a bit sad that it’s all over.

During these past weeks, I learned that life can be full of community, of learning and working with others, of meals and conversations and a fullness that seems to be lacking so often in “the real world” (or is experienced fleetingly). I felt like less of an outsider on the planet and like I had found some place that I have always been looking for where people want to learn to live in harmony with the Earth. I felt connections and relationships blossoming in ways that I rarely do in my day to day life.  And I was learning a tremendous amount on a daily basis.  It’s hard to leave that behind.

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It’s Time to Freeze Blueberries!

As the summer rolls along, each week brings new excitement at the Farmers’ Market in discovering what will come into season.

Blueberries have been around for a few weeks now, but they’re still cause for celebration.  They’re a perfect way to spice up breakfast by topping off yogurt or cereal, they’re delicious on their own, or they can be baked into numerous treats.

After grabbing some at your Farmers’ Market, or getting even deeper into the heart of blueberry season by visiting a pick-your-own berry farm (try Bumbleberry Fields next year if you’re in Ohio!), try saving some of the unique summer flavor by freezing these treats! It’s really very easy and can be done in 3 steps:

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I’m Off to Complete My Permaculture Design Certificate!

I’m all packed and ready to head off to complete my Permaculture Design Certificate through Midwest Permaculture!

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Easy Solar Dehydration

At this point in the season there are a lot of fresh herbs and flowers to process.  Hanging them upside down in an area out of direct sunlight is one of the easiest methods to use, but it can take about a week (or more) to dry plants this way and there are some plants with a high water content that can be difficult to dry without molding.

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Happy Summer Solstice!

Welcome to the longest day of the year!

Everything is blooming, life abounds, green and sun rule the Earth (in the Northern hemisphere, anyway!).  Do you feel it in your own life, too?

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Beet Recipe & June Brings…(Part 2)

It might just be my increasing appreciation for beets, but I was talking out loud (to myself) and making grumblings of gustatory appreciation while eating this very simple meal.

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June Brings…(Sourdough success, garden beauty, and permaculture plans)

It took me a month of working with my sourdough starter, but it finally resulted in a delicious loaf. It still needs work, but I think it was a darn good first try.

Fresh sourdough bread!

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