Pretty versus Plentiful with Ducks and Chickens
The poultry need to be isolated with new plant growth. It's time to sequester the chickens and ducks.
Animal Harvest Day at Mezzacello
This one is a bit grim, but super important if you want animals in your ecosystem and not just pets. Everything matters.
Musings on Energy
The blog post where I muse on the intersection between, life, art, physics and metaphysics. A little Rock and Roll, Voltaire, and Newton, with some Clerk Maxwell!
Sustainability and Renewal
The secret to sustainability is finding ways to reintegrate waste and produce more than you started with. Repeat and add diversity.
Fear, Necessity, Economics and the Future
Hence Mezzacello Exists. This is a reflection on the past, the present, and the future.
Why Communication is Key on an Urban Farm
That one time when I took the animals to an evening event, but did not tell Rick. Poor Rick searched all night.
The Ghost Foundations of Mezzacello
Since 1868 when the house was built, there have been three houses built and destroyed here to the south of us. The foundations remain.
The Evolving Role of the DMZ Between Formal and Urban Gardens at Mezzacello
The DMZ at Mezzacello has traditionally been the line between the formal and feral.
Pondergeist
I have consigned myself that I have built this pond on the site of an ancient Indian burial ground, and is cursed by malevolent spirits.
Twenty-First Century Realities to Restoration
Ah the things you find while transforming a vacant urban lot into an urban farm and garden. Kevlar Gloves!
Too Much Nitrogen, Not Enough Nutrients
After a hopeful start, I realized I missed the mark on nutrients, minerals and compost vs manure. Another season.
The Foodist: Quick Bean Soup
For a quick and savory meal in a flash, I always turn to this delightful Jaques Pepin-inspired soup.
Springtime, Chicks and the Truth About Ducks
Choose wisely when you are adding animals. to an urban farm. You need to know the pros and cons up front!
Hugelkultur at Mezzacello
German for Hill Culture, this ancient form of permaculture transforms lifeless, heavy clay dirt into a forest floor and captures CO2.
Compost, Soil Enrichment, and Garden Infrastructure
In place composting like you see in nature on the forest floor. A lasagna garden. That is this lesson.