Fall Food Harvest

The end of the growing season is here and at Quaking Aspen we are working to harvest and process some of the September abundance. While we have only a 3 month growing season many of the plants we will store through the winter until things begin growing next year. Today Leah and I bundled and hung to dry huge quantities of herbs. Some of which are for teas such as Catnip, Lemon Balm, and Agastache and other such as Basil, Oregano, Sage, Chives, Thmye, and Tarragon for cooking. It was also time to harvest potatoes, winter squash, rhubarb, horseradish, cucumbers, sunflowers, and the last of our tomatoes and eggplant.

This year we were too busy to spend much time in the garden at all. I think I put in less than 10 hours planting, watering (and we water by hand), mulching/composting, etc. So while our harvest may not be huge this year, I am always amazed by the what we are able to harvest. It seems like every year the garden begins to produce even more with less work as the perennials begin to fill in. That is part of the beauty of the lazy approach to gardening adopted by permaculture. While we did spend much time establishing our perennial gardens in the early years we now can step back and relax knowing that if we take off for a few weeks or a month in the middle of summer, our gardens will be fine and still produce a harvest of something. With a little extra work we can produce much more.

Perhaps next year Leah and I will have some time to really plant up a bumper veggie garden. And let's also hope for a good fruit year...actually any fruit would be good.

Harvesting the Rain

In all landscapes, especially in the high desert, water is life. At Quaking Aspen we strive to capture and use much of this water. As a result we are able to have lush gardens without the need for extra city water. In fact our 1/4 acre parcel has over 140,000 gallons of water that will land on it in a average year. In this same year we use about 24,000 gallons of water for bathing, washing dishes, doing laundry, and all other household activities. That means more water falls on the ground and our roof than we use in a year. If we are to set up a sustainable culture, it begins with not over pumping groundwater. Like a bank account we should remain within our "water budget," and for good measure we should begin to put more water back into the ground than we take out. Here is a little clip of some of the ways that we at Quaking Aspen seek to celebrate this abundant gift from the sky!



For more information on Rainwater Harvesting check out our buddy, Brad Lancaster's website.

Transitioning Beyond Sustainability

Welcome!

I believe the time has come to share stories of ecological hope and optimism in this era of environmental degradation. Like many people, I have often wondered what I can personally do to lessen the effects of global warming, peak oil, severe drought, etc. I believe that many of us can make great changes and have a sizable impact on the environmental woes. With this blog, I hope to show people how we can make the changes we wish to see in the world. There are many acts that each home and each person can do to to transition into a sustainable culture. As time allows, we at Quaking Aspen will post stories, photos, and videos demonstrating ways that we can begin to take change into our own hands. If you are looking for ecological ways to live your life then keep checking back as we post information on rainwater and greywater harvesting, permaculture, organic gardening, urban poultry, beekeeping, natural building, community involvement, and many other topics that begin to transition our neighborhoods and lives beyond sustainable.

Quaking Aspen is located in the Foxglenn neighborhood of Flagstaff, Arizona.