Ramps ready for the kitchen Three men on Dual Sport Motorcycles pull to the side of the remote WV dirt road. They dismount and extract small spades and zip-lock bags from the side cases of the bikes. After removing their helmets, they begin to look to the ground and are soon on their [...]
http://youtu.be/F7Id9caYw-Y
Remember…in Permaculture, “The Problem is the solution”. Taraxacum, is a numerous species of flowering plant known generally as Dandelion….taken from the french word dent de lion or “lion’s tooth” . It is a pioneer plant that sends down a long taproot to break up and improve fallow soil. Dandelion grows naturally in Temperate climates, and is generally [...]
Persimmons! When I was growing up we had a big Persimmon tree. It is, in fact, still with us today, although on it's last legs as far as producing fruit because of its age. The Persimmions here in Virginia (Latin name - "Diospyros Virginiana") are one of several types of Persimmons. Like [...]
In looking for plants to add to our Permaculture site, I had considered Yacón. I was not sure it would grow in this area until I discussed Yacón with a fellow PDC and friend in Northern Virginia. He has successfully grown yacón and provided me with an excellent specimen to try along with a full [...]
I never really thought I'd be resorting to "potty" talk for a Permaculture Blog. But...here goes... The more I have considered and evaluated the value of Urine in Permaculture design of late, the more I felt that it was under discussed and planned for. Urine is thought of as a waste product generally. But...in Permaculture..."the [...]
On November 9th I was asked to present a workshop to the attendees of the DC Urban Resiliency Weekend, Which was part of The Permaculture Action Tour, a national effort to educate, promote, and network Permaculture. I spoke on 5 Permaculture Plants for Food Security. It ended up being a discussion of more than [...]
Hosta, that ornamental planted in the shaded area of the yard by your spouse, mother, grandmother, aunt, neighbor, etc.etc. is a regular source of food in Asia. Known as Plantain Lillies in Britain and Giboshi and Urui in Japan, Hostas are hardy, easy to grow, and already planted as ornamentals everywhere. […]
Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire Any plant that can be planted and then , once established , is productive, especially as food, and requires little or no inputs, qualifies as a Permaculture favorite. Today, I'd like to talk about the Chestnut Tree. Ha! I beat the squirrels to this one! [...]
Sunchokes Sunchokes (Helianthus tuberosus) are an amazing Permaculture favorite that, once established, produces an abundance of food perennially and can produce hundreds of pounds of food with little or no effort. Sunchokes, also known as Jerusalem Artichokes grow well in the temperate climate of North American, so well, that some consider them an [...]
