I have so many ideas and visions of things I'd like to make happen. One of the things that helps me tremendously is having a role model to follow as a guide to get me started.
One of my goals is to create an edible landscape. I want to grow foods that can't be found in the mainstream markets. I want to grow gourmet foods that are fresh picked and organic. Not only is the food highly nutritious and beaming with enzymes, but it's pretty fun to watch your little "babies" grow.
I always knew I wanted to grow a few fruit trees and have a little veggie garden, but in 2007 I decided I wanted to grow an edible landscape. I was turned on to two people who have given me lots of inspiration.
The first is the Dervae Family who are here in So Cal. I have actually had the pleasure of seeing their home, meeting them and learning from them. Their home is similar to mine. I have a small lot that I am working with so I find them a great role model for me to use as a source of inspiration in creating my edible landscape. They have a great website called "Path to Freedom" with daily journal entries of life in their world. I love it! I also love their social networking site of Freedom Gardeners!
Check out this quick clip on what they have going on!
Another huge source of inspiration was the book Edible Landscaping by Rosalind Creasy. She took the basic landscaping tools and created homes that had just as much beauty in the design, but with edibles. The book is pretty old, but she is actually coming out with a newer version in Spring of 2010! I can't wait to check it out. I am a sucker for books! Here is her latest project:
This is a typical So Cal home that shows me how I can get high density fruit trees planted in my small yard! I have no experience in espaliering, but it looks pretty simple.
So, I have been weeding, composting, building raised beds, vertical frames, digging up part of my front yard and mulching seedlings. Trust me, you don't want to see my manicure or my farmers tan! I realize it is a lot of work and it takes lots of time. Soil is the biggie and I have bulldozed clay soil. It's like concrete. I am working with raised beds until I can improve the soil. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and like it's going to take a lifetime to get things into place, but I keep hearing that song in my head...you know..... this one..."inch by inch, row by row...." Bring on The Muppet Days! :)
Ok, it's kinda cheesy, but I swear, that song sticks in my head when I am overwhelmed and I know...little by little...I'll get there! ;) Soon I'll be posting photos and videos of what I have been working on. :)
If you have a garden I wanna know about it. Post your links below or in the comments!
Friday, June 26, 2009
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4 comments:
Lori, you are a role-model woman, mom and teacher! I'm amazed by your inquiring spirit and can-do attitude. If I had a backyard, I would take on gardening too. Maybe some day in the future. Wonderful blog!
I had forgotten all about that song but it takes me back. I am totally inspired by your hard work and dedication to the edible landscape. I have been talking non-stop about it and hope to being on the same path. Thanks for inspiration and keep up the good work!
I live in a condo so I have a backyard but it's not mine so I can't really use it. I started growing some stuff in pots by my back door and on my back step. So far I have successful basil, oregano, parsley and mint. I also have a blueberry bush which is going well but will take a few years to fruit.
I know some people in Brooklyn who are gardening on their fire escapes so anyone can grow plants, regardless of whether you have a yard or not.
It's a lot of fun, and there is nothing like eating food you've grown yourself. Next I am going to try some veggies. I wanted to make sure I could do it first.
Aloha Lori!
I've had the joy of following you vids for many months now and most recently your wonderful interviews with Dhru and RawMoms. You're to be commended for how well you are guiding your children as well as serving as a glowing example for them.
I was truly touched by Drema's story. She is blessed to have a friend like you who can recognize and encourage her spark of essence within a broken but mending frame.
I'd like to invite you to join the online community of
30bananasaday. (http://arawconnection.ning.com/)
Your light would fit right in amongst our international band of encouraging and occasionally fruit-crazy health seekers ;-)
Namaste
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