PGE along with Wiggy and Next Seven Farm are hosting a convergence of permaculture minds.  The location is a beautiful work-in-progress nestled in a hollow in Colliers WV about 30 miles west of Pittsburgh.  Isaac (Wiggy) is working to rebuild 5 greenhouses, plant orchards, and protect the natural order.  His vision is of a place where people can gather, get their hands dirty, and learn the homesteading life first hand.

We will Start at 9am on March 27 with a full day of talks, hikes, and permaculture projects until 5pm.  Later on that night we'll have a bonfire and hang out.  Bring your instruments or drums.  Food is POTLUCK.  Cost is DONATION.  All proceeds will go to admin, supplies, and a keg of local beer for the night.  Feel free to come for the day or night or both.  Indoor/Outdoor camping space is available.

To RSVP or for questions and directions email: PittsburghGardenExperiment@gmail.com

Topics covered will include but are not limited to:

• Wild Edibles
• Maple Syruping
• Growing Mushrooms
• Forestry
• Water Management
• Aquaponics
• Greenhouse Production

Here's a video of Isaac's farm a few years ago.  It has changed a lot even since then!

read more

I happened upon a website, www.thegreenhorns.net that reinforces so many of the ideas behind the 21st century gardening/farming movement.  There is a clip from a soon to be completed movie that shows the diversity and breadth of people taking the lead in growing food and communities.  It is especially exciting because the farmers in the clip take it in stride that what they are doing is obvious and there is not a question about why or even how - just go ahead.

On seemingly the other end of things I was in Lowes recently and saw Urban Farmer magazine.  Granted, it looks like someone took back issues of Mother Earth News and recompiled them, but it was in Lowes! I was surprised and dismayed and then surpised all over again.  Even if it was placed next various Martha Stewart clone magazines it still seems to indicate that there is something afoot, even in the suburbs.

The first CSA came to the US in the late 80's (?).  By the early 90's they numbered less than 500 across the whole country.  I do not know how many there are now (2000?), but almost everywhere you go it is not hard to find someone who has heard of one or is a member of one.  I think we as a country are finally seriously redefining what the word "progress" looks like.  The best part is that it is the best possible grass roots movement from the bottom up.  We are not turning back, just quietly (not) tilling the soil.

read more