Western Poison Oak has turned red, hinting of fall.
The woods are aflame with Toxicodendron diversilobum, Pacific poison oak. Like a fastly spreading fire, its red leaves skip across the forest floor and leap high up our California oaks. For many years we tried to rid the ranch of poison oak, annoyed by its impact on us—red rashes and blisters that lasted weeks. We told ourselves… Read more »
Lavender bunches cut and ready to be dried.
The heat of the last days pushed the lavender quickly, and lavender harvest has begun! We cut the longest stems for the dried bouquets, harvesting them just as the bees inform us two or three of the calyxes are open. This way the dried bouquets do not “shatter” or lose too many flowers. This year… Read more »
Two reasons we farm biodynamically!
Acres: Article on Biodynamic Farming This month Acres magazine published an article about our entry into biodynamic farming. Along with the story of why we began farming in this way, we offer suggestions about how to start gardening or farming this way yourselves. One of my greatest pleasures is to know that when I walk through the… Read more »
In a radio interview this last week, I was asked, “Are there ways for people who don’t want to be farmers to live biodynamic lives?” This question cuts to the chase. “Yes,” I replied, and suggested practical actions, like joining a Biodynamic CSA (Community Supported Agriculture, in which you subscribe and get a box of… Read more »
© 2024 Patricia Damery.
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