Our Mission:

Our Mission: To enable individuals and communities to take an active part in the cultivation of systems that provide the highest quality fruits, vegetables, herbs and other yields, in a way that benefits themselves, cares for the land and environment, and provides a surplus to use, share and reinvest into the system.

Saturday, September 23, 2017

National Hunting and Fishing Day

National Hunting and Fishing Day got its start in 1972 after President Richard Nixon urged all citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and in ensuring their proper management for the benefit of future generations.
“A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.” Aldo Leopold A Sand County Almanac

Politics aside, the Nixon Administration actually had a pretty good environmental record.  National Hunting and Fishing Day is celebrated on the fourth Saturday of every September and is designed to promote others to get involved in hunting and fishing.



My hunting (and fishing) background is one of the reasons I am passionate about the environment and conservation.  If I can bring a bit of nature to your backyard where you can also forage for fruits, nuts and berries in an environmentally sound way that's a win-win.  If you have a bit more land, we can design it for abundant and diverse wildlife, that includes wild game.





After years of declining numbers a new emphasis on clean food and ethical sources of meat, hunting is on the rise with younger generations.

“It feels more responsible and ecologically sound to eat an animal that was raised wild and natural in my local habitat than to eat a cow that was fattened up on grain or even hay, which is inevitably harvested with fuel-hungry machines,” writes Christie Aschwanden, a self-described “tree-hugging former vegetarian.” 
 Read more: "Hipsters Who Hunt" on Slate.com

Now the question is how will this renewed vigor for locally produced food affect hunting in America? 
Experienced sportsmen may be rolling their eyes at all of this, imagining a bunch of yuppies tramping through the woods and scaring off all the deer. And they’re probably right—these new hunters will inevitably foul opportunities at game, as would any nascent sportsman. But despite however self-important or naive these hipsters may seem, their presence should be embraced nonetheless, for the sake of the sport and wildlife, both of which they seem bent to encourage. These eager, engaged sportsmen may provide the jolt of enthusiasm needed to combat the misguided and poorly informed anti-hunting rhetoric that too often proliferates through the creative class. Now we’ll just have to wait and see how deep their convictions run if shooting game doesn’t stay in vogue. 
Read more: "The Rise of Hipster Hunters" on Sporting Classics Daily 


If you want to discuss and learn more from a Permaculture perspective head over to the Hunting and Fishing forum at Permies.com

from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

So enjoy the day afield (or consider doing so later this Fall if the 90° temps don't inspire you), be part of the time honored tradition and celebrate the conservation successes brought to you by America’s hunters and anglers.



Sunday, September 10, 2017

Resplendent September - amazing opportunity and potential


Things are HOPPING! 
And I'm not just talking about the rabbit that lives in my herb garden :) 


We are working on several projects from rain gardens, back yard retreats and patio rebuilds with functional plant design.  Multiple jobs at once is pretty rare for Abundant Design, but the weather has been good and material scheduling and available help has worked out well.  I'm energized by people excited for new functional landscapes, healthier lifestyles and the benefits of natural settings.




I also treated my own lawn with predatory nematodes as a chemical-free way to help control Japanese Beetles


September is Preparedness Month, which is a big deal with hurricanes and wildfires in the news, and although not really tornado season, we live in an area prone to them.  Besides, winter is approaching and several years ago, although not too far off the beaten path my mom and dad were out of electricity for over a week following a blizzard!

For lots more tips listen to "Why Practical Preparedness Wins the Race"


Here in Iowa, some troubles for Versaland, a permaculture styled regenerative farm near Iowa City, with the Johnson County supervisors. Grant Schultz messaged me Friday, Dan Grubbs asked me to share, and here's The Urban Farmer Curtis Stone's video call for support along with Grant's video.

If you are nearby, Grant would appreciate your support at the Johnson County Board of Supervisors rezoning meeting September 14th (This Thursday) at 5:30pm
Johnson County Administration Building
913 South Dubuque Street
Iowa City, IA 52240


Blank Park Zoo's Plant.Grow.Fly. Monarch Festival will be held at Blank Park Zoo on Sunday, September 17 from 12-4 p.m.


Enjoy the exciting transition from Summer to Fall!

Saturday, September 2, 2017

Privacy Screen with an Abundant Spin

The home owner talked to me at the Home & Outdoor Living Show about her need for a privacy screen and wondered if I could do it within her budget and short time frame. 

Before-

They didn't want mulch as their dogs tended to dig, and river rock also matched their neighbors border which they liked.

Although the whole back property line was to be done, particular lines of sight were drawn in to prioritize. 

Two drawings were made, one with slight variations and shared.  The alternate drawing with evergreens for winter screening, was selected.

The Arborvitae will also provide a nice dark backdrop to contrast the spring blooms on the Serviceberries.

The low spot included more water loving native plants like Blue Flag Iris and Elderberry.




Work begins- Including 15+ tons of rock!





NF said it, on a few of those hot, late nights








 
After- Over 50 trees, shrubs and plants, many natives, some edible, medicinal and superfoods!
 
We finished up right in the peak heat at the beginning of this drought, conditions were not ideal for plant establishment.

However, the recent rain, although not near enough, has given things a healthy natural drink and renewed vigor!
Privacy Screen with Natives, Edibles, Medicinals and Superfoods!