Grafting Research

While I was watching videos to better learn grafting, I found this one video that out shined many others. It is making me think of risking a scion or 2 and cutting them in half for another branch! Take a look at how simple this is.

The Scions have arrived!

The scions have arrived! Woohoo! No not those awful toaster things with wheels, I got scion wood of 3 different varieties of apple trees which include "Wealthy," "Winekist," and the desert apple "Milo Gibson"

Desert apples have been known to command insane prices such as the ones grown by Akinori Kimura, an apple farmer in Japan that used to get over $15US per apple for deserts that the rich and fast paced chefs of Tokyo would create masterpieces of Epicurean delights that would make Anthony Bourdain weep along side Iron Chef Morimoto.

If you don't know the story of Akinori Kimura, I suggest reading this:

http://imaginepeace.com/miracleapples/

Weird Morning

Odd day here. Trees INC came to the property in the wee hours of the morning, skulking in a truck, on my private driveway. I got out of bed, walked outside and asked, "What's up."

The gentlemen explains how Trees INC are here to help with the fallen trees & widow makers hanging from the road. I let them know they can also drop tree chips here ever more & they get me on the list.

Mind you, I am in fleece pj bottoms, a t shirt, slippers, and its raining. We also walk down the road, I point out numerous widow makers, and other problems. They agree to take care of them all! Wondrous days, my work load just dropped, and I get free wood chips delivered for now on! Everything seems A-OK. Maybe this is all a dream?

I go inside, and start helping the Mrs. get up when suddenly I hear a knock at the door. I go back and it's the same guy from Trees INC, and he says, "
Yeah, uhm, sorry to bother you again, but I didn't realize these were "Coos-Curry Electric lines, we won't be doing any tree pruning, sorry. I am contracted through PG&E, but don't worry, you will still get wood chips delivered."

I need coffee, this is starting to be a rather odd day.

Can't garden on clay & rock?

To heck I say! Want to grow organic on a concrete patio? Here is how!

Due to problems that arose from the latest snow storm we lost our chicken tractor, have no fear for we did not lose the chickens! Nacho, Lady Gaga and the rest are just fine & free ranging.

However, we moved kitchen garden production to closer to the house, and here is how.

A 30 Year Old Food Forest

A food forest is one component of permaculture on a given piece of land. Each one is designed to take into account the sun, wind direction, rainfall, and much more. This is an example of a 30 year old food forest.

Free Range-ing Chickens

I let them out for a little while today, enjoy the little movie.

The Flooding Continues

Flood Warning

*NOAA Issue Date:3/23/2012 06:18:00 AM ...the flood warning continues for the following rivers in Oregon... Coquille River at Coquille affecting Coos County... The flood warning continues for the Coquille River at Coquille. * at 5:30 Am Friday the stage was 24.1 feet. * flood stage is 21.0 feet. * moderate flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast. * impact...at 25.0 feet...some homes are flooded along and near the Coquille River. Roads are flooded in spots in low-lying areas near the Coquille River. * flood history...this crest compares to a previous crest of 24.2 feet on jan 20 2012. Precautionary/preparedness actions... Never drive through flooded areas. The water may be too deep to allow for safe passage or there may be unseen damage to the roadway. For the latest river stages and forecasts...visit our web page at www.weather.gov/medford or listen to Noaa weather radio.

Night Time over the Flooded Coquille Valley

As sunset came across the valley, the animals could be heard no more from below only the crackling thunderous sound of the odd tree being ripped downstream. Starlings rejoiced at the over abundance of food in the air, but now when there is no sunlight and the starlings have gone to roost all there is below in the darkness is the sound of deafening rushing water.

It is so peaceful.

Flooding Images of Coquille River Valley

The sun came up and I was just out hiking along 42S taking photos of the carnage let loose by Nature. There is an eerie stillness out there when there are no cars. The birds are at high elevations for the most part except for waterfowl which are hiding amongst the branches and limbs along the shores.

Every once in a while you can hear resoundingly loud snaps of trees breaking and crashing from erosion into the Coquille River, it is disconcerting.

So much for this pasture at the moment.
Corner of Fat Elk Road and 42 S

Bridge between Coquille & Fat Elk Road Junction on 42S

Sometimes at least it makes for a good view, but I am still reminded of what Mr. Masanobu Fukuoka said, "Throw mother nature out the window and she comes in through the front door with a pitchfork."

Portland Permaculture for Teachers!

I will not be attending, I am just spreading the news for something so important to our world.

Another use for Elderflower

A snippet of a hit UK show that teaches you how to use common herbs in our garden and turn them into medicine. Marigolds into acne cream, Elderflower cough drops and more. The more uses for plants, shrubs and trees, the better.

Reuse before you Recycle

It is official; I passed!

It is official, I got the certificate in the mail today.

I passed my Introduction to Permaculture course, and have started the next portion of my 72 Hour Permaculture Design Course training. However this comes bittersweet, yesterday we sustained a lot of wind damage around the property, lost the chicken tractor completely, and lost most, if not all of a fruit tree.

Other trees crashed around the property, and roadside, on 42 S appears to have been several lost trees as well. Today it is raining and melting the snow which I can only hope will lessen the amount of damage caused by the freak snow storm, which was supposed to be rain!

Incidentally, any one else realize the best job in the world must be a meteorologist? What job can you be wrong every single day and still maintain a steady salary?

Trail work

Doing trail work despite the winds, only 21mph winds sustained.. but gusts in the mid 30's. At some point I need to get to the grange, maybe check out the baby chicks & ducklings, doubt it will happen though.

I want to work on my trails and extend the range I walk with my dog along the acreage in the morning. Maybe see what views can be improved and what other wonders I can find like the shovel pan head I found next to an old stump that is about 10' across. This will also help with PDC Master Design work.

International Woman's Day

To women everywhere,

May you be treated better then yesterday.
Happy International Woman's Day.

Namaste.

The Herb Spiral Update

This is one of the first projects ever done here, and this is how it looks currently. From the inside outwards. This actually exists, and can be seen when pulling up to the main house.

Rosemary - culinary, companion planting
Oregano - culinary, companion planting
Thyme - culinary, companion planting
Chamomile - culinary, medical, cosmetic, companion planting
Sage - culinary, medical, cosmetic, companion planting
Fennel - culinary, medical, companion planting
Yarrow - medical, insectiary, companion planting
Tarragon - culinary, medical, companion planting
Egyptian Walking Onion - culinary, companion planting
Calendula - medical, cosmetic, culinary, companion planting
Feverfew - medical, companion planting

I got non-stop work!

Tire foundation for the Aviary / Greenhouse has been laid out and earth ramming of the tires has already started yesterday. The gap between 2 tires in the front is where the fowl will exit from the aviary into the gardens of the property. The aviary will be connected to the shed via extension which will act as a 3 way gate system. Storage area, greenhouse area, and the aviary. Talk about stacking functions! Not to mention between the aviary & greenhouse the amount of heat for the house will go up. Lot more work to go.

Oh, and the long wide low bush in the background is St. John's Wort and marks where the property starts to drop in its terraced cliff system (another work in progress). Enjoy.... although I know it isn't much to look at.I am working on this in between cutting firewood from coppice trees for next winter, and planting the kitchen garden plots. This is certainly cheaper then riding a bicycle and going to work out at some gym on a stationary bike. ;)