“Every year, 58 million Americans spend approximately $30 billion to maintain over 23 million acres of lawn, using more pesticides per acre than agriculture. According to Heather Flores, author of Food Not Lawns, the water consumed by U.S. lawns- 270 gallons/week- could support “81 million acres of organic vegetables, all summer long”. Perhaps its time to rethink the American yard. There are increasingly more groups- like Food Not Lawns, Edible Estates, locavores, 100 mile diet- urging homeowners to mow less and plant more.
Landscaping
My Father’s Garden — Documentary
“We are rapidly losing the natural resources and human wisdom that are necessary to grow food.
My Father’s Garden is an engrossing, emotionally charged documentary about the use and misuse of technology on the American farm. In less than fifty years the face of agriculture has been utterly transformed by synthetic chemicals, whose power to control the forces of nature is rivaled only by that of the atom bomb. These chemicals have also changed the farmers who have used them. This film tells the story of two such lives, different in all details, yet united by their common goal of producing good food.
A Farm for the Future
Excellent 5 part documentary. Highly recommended.
“BBC documentary on the precient global farming and food crisis, filmed in the UK.
Featuring Martin Crawford (Agroforestry Research Trust), Fordhall Farm, Richard Heinberg and others.
Permaculture Paradise at Val’s
This video is worth watching more than once to catch all the details and plant descriptions.
Drummondville’s front yard vegetable garden
“As they’re about to turn 50, and wanting to adopt a more healthy lifestyle, Josée and Michel decide to plant a vegetable garden outside their home in the suburbs of Drummondville, Quebec. Their backyard had little sun exposure, so they decide to set up the garden in the front yard. Once the garden beds are in place and the vegetables have started growing, the city asks them to remove their garden to put lawn back, but the couple decides to fight.”
Pergolas and Porch Trellises
Do you like large shaded porches with lots of plants? Vine covered trellises help cool the earth around your home, block glare and add extended living space. They even help protect your walls by blocking blowing rain and snow… and they’re inexpensive and easy to build if you use local wood or salvaged materials. The pergola shown here uses rafters, posts and beams. Consider adding a view of the garden and surrounding area. And you might want to consider planting some edibles. How about some hanging grapes? One thing is for sure, the older I get the more I appreciate shady outdoor living areas versus being cooped up inside.