Bill Moyers Talks Agriculture

For those unfamiliar with Michael Pollan and his progressive views on our agriculture system, this interview is an amazing way to update your "food" knowledge to current status. Pollan does a great job at addressing an outdated agricultural system which is based off of government subsidies and cheap fossil fuels. The result is a gluttony of unsustainable growing practices, billions in farm subsidies, lowering of food's nutritional value, and cheap processed foods.
He's very clear with his belief that certain adjustments in our food system can help in our fight to reduce foreign oil dependancy, boost our nation's health care, and reduce unemployment. I believe advocates like Pollan will continue to spread the word and alter how the American people understand food production and purchasing. Locally grown produce is becoming incredibly popular through CSA programs and farmers markets. And for good reason. It's time to get back to a point in our history where we knew how and where our food is grown. Supporting local farms are a great way to keep more money in our local economy while at the same time reducing your carbon footprint. Its a win-win which I know will continue to spread like wildfire across our country.

Oak Log/Shitake mushroom growing

Deciding to grow my own Shitake mushrooms turned out to be a little bit trickier than anticipated. I  had the chance to take a class offered at "The Farm" in Summertown this past fall to try and grow Shitake mushrooms for my miso soups or to sell to local consumers.  Heck, just finding the place was challenging.  After a day's class with instructor Frank Michael, an inexpensive purchase of Shitake spawn pegs, cheese wax and a few daubers, I was ready to start innoculating.  Finding the right, freshly felled oak logs was my next challenge.  

After contacting a few local arborists, to find just the right size and diameter I will be ready to start drilling and plugging.  Whoopee, I can hardly wait!  Check back for the next step.

Safe Lawns

Sustainable lawn care is a sound choice. It’s safe for your family and your pets. It’s safe for water quality in your community, preventing runoff of dangerous chemicals contained in petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides. And it improves the quality of your soil, allowing it to absorb water and nutrients and become a home for healthy grass and plants. A healthier lawn will require less maintenance and amendments, saving you money.

Weeds and pests thrive in a “sick” lawn, which only manages with numerous chemical fertilizer and pesticide applications. A natural lawn is strong and resilient because its soil is constantly improving and becoming more complex. It becomes an ecosystem supporting beautiful and healthy plants. And, it eliminates problems caused by synthetic chemical usage.

For 10 benefits of natural lawn click here.  Safe Lawns.org

Creating Lush Streetscapes

After a trip to Portland, I fell in love with their streets. Flowers overflowing baskets and containers everywhere. It's really amazing what can be done with beautiful plants. If only Nashville's streets could look this good! For a better photo album click here.

Kingfisher Creek

Kingfisher Creek is nestled in the West End Area of Nashville, This rain garden helps to protect Kingfisher Creek from the run-off on a quarter mile of road sloping into it. It fills in during the rains and slowly filters water back into the ground.  The plants in the garden also help to breakdown automotive chemicals the rinse into the water way.

Two in One Day

We'll, it's a first in Gardens of Babylon history. We made the Tennessean twice in one day, both times on a sections cover page. This article was posted yesterday in Life. 2nd Tennessean Article Matt has a interestingly concerned look on his face in the picture. Tygard has a great strategy for creating more dense tree canopies in Nashville.

It looks as though our attempts at more media attention are working. Stay tuned for more articles this spring.

Winter offerings

If you haven't already seen the Tennessean article in todays paper, I would recommend getting a glimpse. Tennessean Article Of all things, painted poinsettias made the picture. When I think of Christmas, an orange poinsettia is not the first plant that comes to mind.

Gardens of Babylon Website