Permaculture

Growing Food in a Hotter, Drier Land by Gary Paul Nabhan

Growing Food in a Hotter, Drier Land
: Lessons from Desert Farmers on Adapting to Climate Uncertainty by Gary Paul Nabhan

I have long enjoyed reading books by Gary Paul Nabhan. A nature writer, farming activist, and promoter of environmental and cultural diversity, Nabhan has lived on his small farm in Patagonia, Arizona, and worked and studied throughout the Sonora desert for more than 30 years. He has researched the plants and farming techniques of indigenous peoples around the world and is also one of the founders of ‘Native Seed Search’ an organization that saves, shares and sells heirloom and ‘landrace’ seeds adapted to dry climates. His books offer a tour of specific regions through ethnobotanist eyes with a knack for Read more

Growing Food in a Hotter, Drier Land
: Lessons from Desert Farmers on Adapting to Climate Uncertainty by Gary Paul Nabhan Read More »

fallen leaves in a pond

Water

Water. Our planet’s surface is covered about 70% by this life essential liquid. That is approximately 331 million cubic miles of water. However, all but 3% contains salt. Three-quarters of this 3% of freshwater is in the form of ice. Half of the remaining ¼ of freshwater is located 2,500+ feet below the surface and embedded in rock. That is too deep to be obtained economically and leaves the water in lakes, rivers, accessible aquifers, (groundwater), and the atmosphere. Just 1/8 of 3%, or 0.375 percent!Obviously, this precious resource, this gift of the earth, must be protected and utilized wisely,

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Pink stem Cardoon ‘Rouge de Algiers’

Cardoons and a recipe for Cardoon Potato Gratin

Pink stem Cardoon ‘Rouge de Algiers’ A ‘Food Forest’ or ‘Forest Garden’ is a design practice that falls under the broader heading of ‘Permaculture’. (The term Agro-forest is also used but I tend to avoid using it as it lends itself to a more commercial connotation)Within such a design plan one tries to establish layers of mostly perennial plants that will provide an abundance of food, medicine, and sometimes utilitarian uses.One such plant that I love to grow is the cardoon, which will grow wherever its cousin the artichoke thrives. And like the artichoke, cardoons are loaded with Silymarin.At first

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