Fall Biodynamic Spraying: ‘501″

Buckeye butterfly beneath coyote bush         After harvest we spray the crystal spray “501” on the vines and orchard to help prepare for the fruit the next year. This balances cosmic/solar forces with earth forces. We spray three times, once in each of the fruit (fire) astrological signs: Ares, Leo, and Sagittarius…. Read more »

Spreading Compost

Spreading Compost We spread last year’s compost pile yesterday afternoon and this morning, saving some for transplanting the helichrysum and lavender plants. The helichrysum will be transplanted this afternoon and tomorrow. Anna in finished compost pile   Spreading compost in orchard. The white are minerals a soil test suggested.  We till these all in after… Read more »

Autumn Special!

Autumn Special!     Grace your fall table with the memory of summer fields of lavender! Biodynamic Organic Harvest Bouquet. $24.99 includes shipping! Certified: Biodynamic by Demeter Organic by Stellar  County Organic Registration 28-0060.

Pollinator Watching!

 Pollinator Watching! The coyote bushes, in full bloom, are abuzz these sunny days with many visitors! Native plants provide important sources of pollen for native pollinators and honey bees alike. Honey bee visiting coyote bush.   Buckeye Butterfly rests under coyote bush.   Not a pollinator, but she’s been” hanging out” here for a couple… Read more »

A blog you may be interested in.

A blog you may be interested in. Yesterday my book, Farming Soul: A Tale of Initiation, received another great review on Sacred Medicine Roots. That is one good reason to check out this blog site! But there are other reasons as well! As you scroll down, you will see blogs on food politics, information  important to… Read more »

Rain!!

Last night’s rain fall: 1.0 inches. Rain!! We got 1.4 inches of rain in the last two days, an inch last night, a short dry season. In our Mediterranean climate we usually have 6-7 dry months. This year we recorded 2.5 inches in June, the last rain bringing 0.6 inches on June 29. That makes 3… Read more »

Starting the Compost Pile, Grape Pumice

One of two bins of grape pumice (seeds and skins) from the crush Friday.               Starting the Compost Pile, Grape Pumice After harvest there is that brief period of relief and rest (one day!)— and then there is ever so much to do before winter! This week we started… Read more »

Grape Harvest Complete: Clean-Up Crew Enters

Grape Harvest Complete: Clean-Up Crew Enters The harvest went on forever!  Tired men who had also been picking all night, left early; others arrived. But by 4 pm, September 30, we finally had the truck loaded. It was a good-enough harvest, and we thank the many living things that helped make it that way!  … Read more »