Saving Energy in the Garden

Don't be mislead, you probably know my values well-enough by now to realize that "energy" in the title of this post means "net energy" expended - human and other.

Here are energy saving tips excerpted from the latest Sundance Power Systems newsletter.

Some tips to save energy in the garden this year:

• Plant natural grasses and shrubs that are native to your area and do not require a lot of extra water in the summer.
• Plant shade trees in the yard, by roadways and in vacant lots to combat the rising CO2 production.
• Plant native wildflowers in vacant lots, roadsides and other public areas so that the grass will not have to be mowed as often.
• Collect rain water in a rain barrel or cistern for watering plants, garden and landscaping.
• Looking for an easy way to save energy? Reduce your landscape watering schedule. Experts say that most yards are over-watered.
• Water lawns early in the morning and long enough for a deep soak to encourage deep root growth.
• Plants and grasses grow slowly in the cooler weather. Reduce your watering schedule accordingly.
• Keep an eye on the weather report and turn off your automatic irrigation system when rain is predicted. Keep it off for a week after the rain stops. Even longer in the winter.
• As a general rule, lawns only need watering every 5 to 7 days in the summer and every 10 to 14 days in the winter. A hearty rain eliminates the need for watering for as long as two weeks.
• Check your sprinkler system and timer on a regular basis to be sure it is operating properly and giving you the right coverage.
• Install a rain sensor device or switch which will override the irrigation cycle of the sprinkler system when adequate rainfall has occurred.
• Use a "soaker" hose rather than a sprinkler, where possible. Less water is required because the water is concentrated on the soil nearer the roots and there is less evaporation.
• Water in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid evaporation. Avoid watering on windy days.
• Convert to a drip irrigation system that waters specific plants and avoids water waste.
• Looking for ways to save energy? Use electric instead of gas powered lawn and garden equipment, as they create less pollution and are usually more energy efficient.
• Buy a new push mower for your lawn. They are quiet, non-polluting and you won't have to drive to the gym.
• Use "hand" pruners, clippers and other yard tools rather than gasoline or electric-powered ones.
• One idea on how to save energy is to keep the cutting edges sharp on your gasoline and electric-powered yard equipment. The equipment will cut more efficiently and use less energy.
• Also, dull cutting edges tend to fray grass blades and increase water evaporation from the grass plants.
• If you reduce fertilizing the lawn, you'll have to water less and cut the it less frequently.
• Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches. A lawn cut higher encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than a closely-clipped lawn.
• Leave lawn clippings after mowing to fertilize the grass, or collect the clippings and use them for mulch.
• You can save money and do your lawn a favor by using a mulching lawn mower instead of bagging and carting off grass clippings. The mulched clippings fall back to the soil and add nutrients.
• Mulch your planting beds to retain moisture in the soil. Mulching also helps to control weeds that compete with plants for water.
• Use a broom to clean the sidewalks and driveway. Using a hose to clean these surfaces wastes hundreds of gallons of water.
• Sweeping the sidewalks and driveway instead of using a noisy, polluting, blower is a good tip on how to save energy.
• Regularly check all hoses, connectors and spigots for leaks. Install new hose washers when needed.
• Plant native plants that are adapted to your area. They require less water and maintenance, and look great.
• If possible, use the grey water from the laundry and shower for irrigation in the yard.
• Choose the small solar powered lights for your landscape lighting. They're easy to find online or in garden stores and are just one way how to save energy in the garden.

Working Together to Conquer Waste

This is a great idea - The Repair Cafe. Take a look at the description as reported in the NY Times and let's consider doing one or more of these at High Vista in the near future. Perhaps we can incorporate it into our winter Community Connections Salon Series. If you're interested, let me know.

Summary: "At Amsterdam’s first Repair Cafe, an event originally held in a theater’s foyer, then in a rented room in a former hotel and now in a community center a couple of times a month, people can bring in whatever they want to have repaired, at no cost, by volunteers who just like to fix things. 

Conceived of as a way to help people reduce waste, the Repair Cafe concept has taken off since its debut two and a half years ago. The Repair Cafe Foundation has raised about $525,000 through a grant from the Dutch government, support from foundations and small donations, all of which pay for staffing, marketing and even a Repair Cafe bus. 

Thirty groups have started Repair Cafes across the Netherlands, where neighbors pool their skills and labor for a few hours a month to mend holey clothing and revivify old coffee makers, broken lamps, vacuum cleaners and toasters, as well as at least one electric organ, a washing machine and an orange juice press."        

The Garden is Open

On Saturday, April 28, Susan Marlan officiated at our opening ceremonies, held in the High Vista Community Park (by the tennis courts). A joyous crowd gathered under the sun and trees and were treated to a meaningful and optimistic invocation, accompanied by birdsongs. Thank you so much, Susan.

For professional services, contact Susan at yourwed@interfaithceremonies.com

After Q& A and announcements, many of us carpooled down to the garden, found our allotted spots and planted our identifying flags. Such creativity in our group.

Very creative Georgia!

The Lewis family made the most of the day

and added a lot to our overall experience (no pun intended)

Anyone up for spearheading a children's garden area? 

Thanks to Mike for organizing our garden space this year

We planted signs and the Denisons even planted broccoli - Way to go! The first new starts for this season.

And now for some worthwhile information:

Our manual pump - protected from the elements.
Be sure to add to the water barrel when you take from it.

The pump is securely installed, filled watering cans are available. Thanks Al and Peter for your efforts on this.


Pete will be offering an organic pest control workshop, 10 - 11 a.m. next Saturday, May 5, at the garden. Jerry Jordan has volunteered to videotape it, and Sharon will post it to YouTube, but there is nothing that compares with being there in person and having your questions answered in the moment.


Sharon is creating a "vacation schedule" to circulate, so we know when to look out for one another's gardens. If you want your garden added to the "watch list", send an e-mail with your vacation dates in the subject line to highvistagardeners@gmail.com. There is likely to be extra space in the garden; if you need any, let Sharon know.


Please take a look at the watch list when it is circulated and let a fellow gardener know that you are going to be able to tend their crop one or more days while they are away. 


Since we're using a buddy system also for everyday tasks, as Mike Pace requested, it is worthwhile to remember that Lexi Kiefer will be gardening on Tuesday and Thursday mornings with her garden partner, Don Kirkwood, who is an experienced organic gardener willing to share his knowledge.


Winter squash and sweet potatoes will not be a community crop. Sharon and Susan Marlan have decided to plant some. Al Cutter has asked to help and share the harvest of sweet potatoes and Irma Allison has asked to share in the winter squash. If you have not yet spoken up to share this space, now is the time, not later.


Be prepared to watch as a "three sisters experimental garden" goes in and goes up near the corn crop.


Sharon has some grape tomato seedlings, up for grabs. They were grown in a greenhouse by a friend in New York and lovingly transported and tended in her sunroom since Easter. You can find them in the garden Tuesday, May 8 (primary election day), probably placed by the pump. First come, first served. 


Here are some tips for planting tomatoes, shared by Janet Gardner, coordinator of the Bountiful Harvest Community Garden in Hendersonville. According to the weather forecast, the nighttime temps won't be below 50 degrees for the next ten days, so she's determined it's safe to plant. 

Garden tips:  Planting tomatoes - Transplants of all sizes and varieties are available now in nurseries and big box stores everywhere.  It is tempting to spend the extra money for larger plants, many already with small fruit.  However, these hothouse beauties when planted out in your garden often go into plant shock which causes arrested growth and abortion of fruit.  Better to go with smaller, stockier plants no taller than 6".  Plant these deeply, up to the first set of leaves, about 16" apart.   Keep well watered for the first week or so, then hold back the water a bit.  The idea is to make the plant roots grow down for moisture.  In times of heat and drought later, your plant will be better suited for survival with a strong, deep root system.  When planting try not to disturb the roots if possible.  For transplants in plastic pots, place your hand over the top of the pot with the tomato stem between your fingers.  Gently tap the plant loose and plant in the ground immediately.  For the tomatoes in either peat or plantable pots (including my paper pots) put the whole thing in the ground as is.  Just be sure all of the pot is below the surface to avoid the pot wicking moisture out.

Garden wisdom:  There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling.  ~Mirabel Osler

Our collective sentiments

Calendar of Upcoming Transition Hendersonville Events

Monday, April 30, 10am-11am. NEW GARDEN GROUP FORMING ~ Henderson County Cooperative Extension.  

We are forming an informal group of local gardeners - both experienced and inexperienced, even gardener wannabes – who will meet once a month to share gardening experiences, tips, seeds and local challenges and quirks about growing, preserving and selling food in the Hendersonville area.  We invite you to join us and your neighbors whether you have several acres, a suburban plot or just one tomato plant in a patio container, growing even a part of your own food is fun, rewarding and so empowering.

Please call or email with questions. Janet Gardner luvs2garden@att.net (828) 974-1782



Saturday, May 5^th, 2012 5-7 pm, May Tree Dance, Full Moon Sacred Circle Dance the merry merry month of May in the springtime of the year with flowers & ribbons in our hair in doors and out!  at Dancing Feete  dance studio, Singleton Centre across from the post office, 2682 B Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock, NC., $10 per person, RSVP TarletonBrooks@yahoo.com only if you are coming www.thedancingcircle.info 828 – 699 – 0240


Saturday, May 12, Sustainable Living Workshop:  Compost!
9:30AM-12:30PM,  Coop. Extension, Jackson Park
Learn the basics of composting and go home with a worm bin including ½ pound of red wigglers.  Composting lecture 9:30 to 11:00 and Worm Bin workshop at 11.  Lecture $10 or lecture and w-shop $25. (Sharon Willen is attending both. Contact her if you want to go together.)


Saturday, May 19, Sustainable Living Workshop: Water Rams.  10:00 a.m. – Noon. ECO Conference Room Learn how these simple hydraulic pumps that have been used for over 100 years in WNC work and buy one for your household.  Program fee $15.

Sunday, May 20, all are invited to join in a Slow Food Foothills aka “Slow Polks,” fundraiser at Overmountain Vineyards & Winery from 4-8 pm. Come for an evening to enjoy local wine, seasonal food & Americana music. Tickets for the event are available on Brown Paper Tickets. Cost for the event is $25 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-13.


Overmountain Vineyards & Winery is nestled at the gateway of the Blue Ridge Parkway on 75 beautiful acres. Originally a tobacco and cotton farm in the 1920′s and 30′s, the land was purchased in the early 1990′s, and has now returned to its roots.  Overmountain Vineyards was established in 2002 as a commercial vineyard in the Tryon Foothills of North Carolina. They are recognized as one of North Carolina’s signature vineyards and wineries.


Stone Soup Restaurant is also located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and owned by Suzanne Strickland. Suzanne named the restaurant after the fairy tale which is a story of a community coming together. She thought it was a perfect name for a restaurant that she hoped would become a gathering place for the community and it has! Stone Soup will be catering the May fundraiser with a seasonal, casual buffet highlighting local food.


Entertainment will be provided by Gigi Dover and her band, The Big Love. The Big Love is primarily the creative partnership of singer/songwriter and guitarist Dover and multi- instrumentalist / magician Eric Lovell, whose bag of tricks includes vocals, guitar, pedal steel, sitar, tambura, melodica, ukulele, mandolin, even a glockenspiel. Together they weave a dreamy, quirky path that trips through styles, sounds and genres. It’s a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll and a whole lotta groovy, soulful, and funky fun. Their new CD is expected to be released on April 20. The media sponsor is WNCW our local public radio station. 


In addition, a silent auction will be on site. For more information about Slow Food Foothills, contact Carol Lynn or Mindy Wiener.

 

Moving Right Along - Don't Be Left in the Dust

The garden is tilled, disked, and limed (thanks to Mike Willen and Jerry Jordan). Crop leaders have met and determined where the corn, pole/bush beans, and summer squash will be planted. A small group of volunteers will be marking out the individual gardens tomorrow, April 20. Tick, tock, almost time to plant.

I hope you're getting as excited as I am for our official 2012 garden opening, April 28, 10 a.m. Susan Marlan will be officiating as we give thanks and ask for a bountiful season. Then, hopefully, we'll each plant a sign in our individual units, and, of course, any cool weather plants ready to be set in at this time. No rules or regs on what kind of sign you can/should bring - let's see your creative juices at work - just think about something that is likely to last all summer without fading too much.

F.Y.I.

Don't forget that Earth Day is this weekend - big, meaningful festivities throughout the region. Earthday Asheville. Earthday at the Hendersonville Community Co-Op.


The 2012 Transition Challenge: During the month of May 2012, we have the opportunity to join in as thousands of landscapes and homes will be transformed, retrofitted and revitalized as part of this year's initiative by Transition U. S. Our cooperative garden represents a good start, as does our "transition" to a hand-powered pump this year. Are there more ways we can expand our High Vista effort to grow food, conserve water, save energy and build community? Someone has suggested we add composting this year. What would you like to recommend?


Check out this interesting foodbank community garden model active in Winston Salem, NC. All their food is donated to foodbanks and all the labor provided by local volunteers - schools, corporations, and individuals. 

Season Kick-off Meeting

March 25, 2012

Thank you to Jerry and Catherine Jordan for hosting, to Mike Willen, Al Cutter, Joyce Davis, Peter and Mary Alice Steurer, and Ashley Featherstone for their role in getting us up and running. Thanks to Claude for his expertise and humorous wit. We missed those who were not able to attend and are looking forward to seeing you next time. 

Garden measuring and marking: mid-April. Garden planting: around May 1. See e-mailed minutes and Google Docs for additional information.

We met

We ate well

We shared information

We discussed a lot

We laughed some and made decisions

There was even time for b-ball

Now we're ready to "Give Peas a Chance"

Winter Draws to an End

Lexi sharing mountain stories

February 19 an overflow crowd of High Vista residents gathered at the elegant home of two gracious hosts, Mary and Nigel Strickland for a “Potluck and Potlatch”. Salads and sides, casseroles and a Boston crème pie – Yum!

Those in attendance included:

Al Cutter and Joyce Davis, Terri and Doug Harris, Ken and Claudia Scarber, John and Lexi Kiefer, Gerry and Mara Pasternack, Otis and Gina Philbrick, Randy Robins and Susan Marlan, Kathy and Ron Segall, Sharon and Mike Willen and our hosts.

For the uninitiated, a potlatch is a custom of our Native American tribes in which members achieve status in the community not by amassing wealth, but by distributing it to others. Our version of the ritual was to exchange “items of value” in both material and non-material forms – and we all came away richer for the experience. Here are some items that were exchanged as we chatted and laughed and moved around the large circle of friends in the Stricklands’ spacious great room:

• stories (about Asheville in the old days – Thanks Lexi!)
• information (on where to volunteer, changes coming up to NC prescription law, a fabulous Wildlife Week held annually)
• good ideas (hiring a van to go to the Wildlife Week as a group next year, creating an opt-out e-mail list for “HV Community Connections”, using the HV Community Facebook page as a hub for ride sharing, and a consensus of enthusiasm to continue meeting for pleasure during the growing season – quite distinct from any community garden “work” meetings.)
• items no longer being used by the owner that still have useful life: (pewter pocket angels, plants, a guidebook to indoor plants, a wide-brimmed straw gardening hat, a lovely wool sweater, a picture frame, a simmering pot, crossword puzzle lap pillow, a big-button phone for senior citizens

Just as at all our Community Connections gatherings, two things were perfectly clear: The amazing wealth of diverse individuals we are lucky enough to call “neighbor” and the power of communing with one another on a regular basis. I was happy to meet the personalities behind new faces in the circle. I was sorry for those who wanted to attend, but signed up after the maximum number set by our hosts had been reached. Have no fear; there will be room for everyone March 25, as the program focuses on growing our community from the ground up - Don't miss it - OUR FIRST GARDEN PLANNING MEETING FOR 2012.

Winter Blooms

December, January and February, Winter in Western North Carolina. The days are short, the nights are cold and dark. So we do as the pioneers did while the land rested, we share time together to keep our minds active and our hearts warm.

"High Vista Community Connections" has met twice now. In December at the Willen home, where Sharon plied us with puzzles and helped us expand our creative problem solving skills. In January at Susan Marlan's home Randy Robbins taught us the art of finding humor, especially in dark places. Below are a couple of photos from the January gathering. You can see more pictures in our Picasa Web Album.

We'll meet again the second week in February and perhaps in early March, before we begin to open up the 2012 Community Garden Season - the last week of that month. Everyone is welcome. Spread the word to any and all residents of High Vista. Contact: Sharon Willen