2009 ARCHIVE
ECO LAND TIPS
Questions? We are happy to answer any questions you might have about our services and fees. We have a portfolio of designs and photos from past projects available for review. In addition, we are happy to provide you with the names and addresses of recent Clients.
© Gaia Creations Ecological Landscaping & Permaculture Solutions 2007-2011 * PO Box 3358 Chico, CA 95927 * 530-321-9715
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009
Contact
530-321-9715
530-828-6390
P.O. Box 3358
Chico, CA 95927
Our Eco Land Tips and Images of the Month web posts started up in March of 2008 to help inform and educate people about ecological landscaping and permaculture. In 2009 we started up our blog. We hope you will enjoy the photographs and reading about the various months of 2009 and what the seasons brought to us.
VISIT THE ARCHIVES PAGE FOR A MONTH BY MONTH VIEW
HARVEST RAINWATER!
The Melianthus major pictured above is an example of Nature's own gutter system for plants efficiently bringing rainwater to where the plant needs it most; its root zone.
We humans can do it too! By designing rainwater harvesting systems for the roofs of our homes, barns, outbuildings and more we can effectively conserve water while recharging local water tables.
Contact us for more information!
Does the Moon affect plant growth and health?
It has been said for hundreds of years that the moon's monthly cycle (lunar cycle) of waxing and waning has a very definite influence on plant growth and health; particularly moisture.
Though little research has been conducted on this idea, the gravitational pull of the moon does affect the flow of tides in the ocean... we believe there must be something to be said for the plants on terra firma.
MARCH 2009
APRIL 2009
Native Plant with Multiple Functions
Elderberry: Sambucus mexicana is our local Elder Tree. At least six (6) useful attributes with only one plant!
• Tall tree-like shrub provides shade decreasing ambient temperatures
• Flowers provide insects with pollen and nectar
• Berries provide humans and wildlife with food
• Wood can be used for making arrows (as Maidu Native Americans still do)
• Autumn leaves and branches provide food for the soil; imperative for all of Nature’s cycles
don’t forget…
• Absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while releasing oxygen back out!
MAY 2009
FOOD FORESTS
A food forest is exactly what it sounds like… an abundant and self sustaining forest of edible, medicinal and other useful plants.
There are 7 layers to a food forest:
1. CANOPY: oak, pecan, walnut, olive
2. SUBCANOPY: almonds, cherries, dwarf fruit trees
3. SHRUBS: currants, berries, paw paw, elderberry, bamboo
4. HERBACIOUS: echinacea, comfrey, mugwort, parsley, cilantro
5. GROUNDCOVER: strawberries, creeping thyme, some mints
6. CLIMBERS: grape (wild, table or wine), scarlet runner bean, akebia, kiwi
7. RHIZOSPERE: daikon, radish, beets, carrots, onions
The soil layer down to 6” or so is the next layer essential for all the layers above; the microsphere. This layer consists of the soil food web; organic matter (mulch) feeding fungi, bacteria, protozoa, nematodes and the larger arthropods.
Let us design this type food system for your property! Contact us today for reduced cost!
JUNE 2009
SHOULD IRRIGATION WATER BE FRESH DRINKING WATER?
We think not… greywater, grey water, graywater, gray water….
however you spell California needs it!
Join in the discussion about greywater currently underway between state agencies, professionals and the public!
Learn about greywater here:
Review the regulatory items up for change:
Take action here (e-mail us to network on local greywater issues):
Greywater in the recent news:
THANK YOU BUTTE COUNTY AND COWA FOR THE RECENT SUMMIT!!! WE SHALL WORK TOWARD COMMON GROUND!
click on images to enlarge
JULY 2009
THREE SISTERS GUILD
This ancient system of growing corn, beans and squash illustrates how companion planting has been practiced with much success over the ages. Native American peoples planted them in different patterns depending on what region they lived in but overall the inspiration is based on Mother Nature. The method draws upon nature’s cycle of nutrients and flow of energy to create growing conditions that favor all three plants throughout their lifecycle.
The corn provides vertical support the pole beans require to climb as well as a little shade for the squash. The squash shades the ground for the corn allowing moisture to remain in the soil longer. The pole beans provide nitrogen fertilizer by absorbing nitrogen from the air and converting to soluble nitrate in the soil. Microscopic nitrogen fixing bacteria live in small, often visible, nodules on the roots of legume plants (like beans and peas) enhancing the plants ability to absorb nitrogen.
How Native American peoples knew this I don’t know but they seemed to know a lot more about living sustainably than we do today. For more information about this planting Guild contact us today!
CHICO PERMACULTURE GUILD
“A group of permaculturalists organizing in the Chico community in order to educate and teach permaculture to the public, organize workshops, assist friends with the implementation of permaculture design, and build community.”
This LOCAL guild is a wonderful group of dedicated people striving to help grow sustainably with our local community; utilizing permaculture ethics and principles of design.
We meet monthly alternating Saturdays and Sundays. Join us!!
E-mail: chicopermacultureguild@gmail.com
Join the CPG ONLINE: www.chicopermacultureguild.ning.com
AUGUST 2009
SEPTEMBER 2009
Companion Planting - Plant Guilds & “Who likes What?”
Companion planting is an ancient gardening method which makes use of the synergistic properties found in Nature: cooperation between plants to achieve optimum health and viability. Creating a plant guild utilizes companion planting, among other methods, to create functional connections between plants, soil, animals and microroganisms –one that mutually benefit all elements in the guild.
We humans have a responsibility to help Mother Nature in our own gardens by choosing plants that respond well to each other, nestle and help each other grow and in some cases actually feed their neighbors. Have a peek at the chart HERE and see what plants you may have in your garden that you can transplant next to your Rose or your Apple tree to see how they nurture each other over time. You can always contact us if you need help!
Example:
Grow chard with mint (as shown above) for protection from slugs and snails.
OCTOBER 2009
Pumpkin Harvest Time!
No giant pumpkins this year but plenty of diversity!
Howden
Super Sweet
Casper
These pumpkins will fill our hearts and platters with jack-o-lanterns, pies, breads, soups and best of all ROASTED PUMKINS SEEDS!!!
(mmmm, yummy.........)
NOVEMBER 2009
Beneficial Insects: Spiders
Two banded spiders with two totally different lifestyles...
Pictured above right is the large banded garden spider, Argiope trifasciata. This type of spider is an ORB weaver, spinning their webs into circles commonly seen in gardens.
Below right is pictured the hunting white-banded crab spider, Misumenoides formosipes. A predator with no web spinning abilities it attacks its prey, hopefully a garden pest!
While they both look kind of strange and creepy neither one of them is dangerous; to humans that is...
DECEMBER 2009
WINTER IS COMING!
#1 Build a rain garden!!! We can help you design a simple and affordable rain garden to help reduce your irrigation needs and create a beautiful new addition to your landscape.
#2 As Nature's rhythm continues to slow down into Winter the soil should be blanketed in a thick mulch of organic materials; this feeds and protects the plants and microorganisms until Spring.
#3 Broadcast California native wildflower seeds into bare & unsightly areas then cover with topsoil, leaves or light mulch... viola! Fewer weeds and more flowers come spring! Try sheet mulching with heavy weeds then broadcast your seeds.
#4 Turn off your irrigation system with consistent rain! Call us to install in a rain sensor so the work is done for you!
