We’ve gardened for some time here in our valley, but this year we decided to expand our garden, and our minds. I’ve spent the last few years exploring permaculture. Dictionary.com defines it :
a system of cultivation intended to maintain permanent agriculture or horticulture by relying on renewable resources and a self-sustaining ecosystem.
We decided on a mandala shaped garden for the new bed for several reasons: there is certainly more square footage with this method but mainly it is beautiful. Nature does not grow things in straight rows. It is also a no-till method so the soil structure is maintained. We started by mowing the area and then put down a thick layer of newspapers to kill the sod. We layered different kinds or organic matter: leaves, straw, grass clippings, compost, and manure. Then we planted. The soil is amazingly friable! We never walk on it so it isn’t compacted. Weeds can be pulled out with ease. We planted a variety of vegetables an flowers to create a diverse environment. Our goal is to grow as much of out own food as possible, as well as food for my in-laws, and for a food pantry.
Here are some photos of the work in progress. I’ll keep you posted so you can see how it grows.
Cloudy and Winston were happy to join us in this beautiful place.
When I was about 6 years old, I found 2 pennies buried in the garden in which my father and I were planting radishes. I was amazed at the discovery of this treasure, although I didn’t quite understand why it was still shiny. My dad told me that the soil had protected them from the air and that was why they still shone. it wasn’t until many years later that my dad told me that he had put the pennies there so that I would have the joy of discovery.
Last weekend, children of all ages shared that spirit as they explored the Village of Peninsula, finding fairy houses and gardens. Here are some photos of the Fairy Garden behind our studio and gallery, Elements Gallery. Enjoy!
I had fully intended to post more photos of the fairy habitat behind our studio and gallery. Then my computer wouldn’t start. 2-4 days is the estimated time for repair.
Stay tuned…..
UPDATE: computer will be fixed tomorrow AND it’s under warranty! Must be my pure thoughts and clean living. Photos will be posted as soon as I get my computer back.
It was a busy weekend in the Village of Peninsula, nestled in the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley. It was a time for discovery and adventure as the yearly Spring Stroll welcomed the new season to the Valley.
The population soared as families came to the Village to share in the magical adventures of the season. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway brought Thomas the Tank Engine to the Valley again this year.
Fairy houses and gardens were all over the Village. Ronda from the Downtown Emporium created a map, and fairy lovers of all ages looked to see if they could answer all the questions: how many fairies live here? can you find the octopus? what is the name of the fairy house?
Imagine yourself discovering some of these magical dwellings. Look carefully; you might just see a sprite.
Come back on Wednesday and you’ll see more photos of the fairy dwellings behind our studio and gallery.
Take a moment to realize that in the United States, Memorial Day is more than a 3 day weekend. To read more, hop on over to Travis Erwin’s. He is the guy who is the MTM chief cook and bottle washer. He always has something interesting to say, and also posts links to other bloggers who write about their towns.
The population of the Village of Peninsula will grow this weekend. Fairies are arriving, bringing their gardens and houses. If you are in our neck of the woods, stop on by. This year’s Spring Stroll brings magic!
Here is a preview of some of the hand work of the fairies. The Village of Peninsula, OH, gently resisiting change since 1827.
The Village of Peninsula, OH, population 601, is an inland town. Gerry asked what many folks want to know: how did the Village get its name?
Look at the map below. You see the Cuyahoga River on the left side of the map, and a loop in the center of the photo. The loop is where the River flowed before its course was changed. In April, 2008, I wrote:
The Village of Peninsula, population 602, is nestled in the hills where the Cuyahoga River bends sharply. Years ago, before the Valley Railway came through town, the old river made a meander that formed a peninsula. When the train was planned, 2 bridges would have needed to be engineered and built in order to cross the crooked river called the Cuyahoga. Instead of doing that, the engineers decided to cut through the neck of Peninsula’s peninsula, changing the course of the Cuyahoga.
If you want to see who is coming to the Village next weekend, fly on over here.
Travis Erwin is My Town Monday’s Chief Marauder. Meander on over to his place, where he has played hookie, and you will not only find out how he did that, but you will also find links to other blogs all over this fine blue planet.
The winner of last week’s high tech drawing is Mary, who always has something interesting to say. Post a comment this week and you, too, will be entered into a give-away where you can win some cool stuff from the Village of Peninsula.
If you ever want to know about the history of my town, the Village of Peninsula, population 601, or about the Cuyahoga Valley, go to the Peninsula Library and Historical Society. The library and historical society is dedicated to the preservation of the history of the Valley. They have an extensive collection of books, photographs, letters and other materials that chronicle the lives and times of those who settled the Valley. Committed to preserving and promoting the history of the Cuyahoga Valley, the PLHS provides a variety of historical programming. They share the stories of the people who carved out a life in this Village along the river called the Cuyahoga, and the canal called the Ohio and Erie.
The mural on the front of the Library is a beautiful work of art. It was created by the late Honore Gilbeau Cooke. The library website describes the mural:
Travis Erwin is the main fisherman on the My Town Monday boat. Cruise on over to his site, and check out the links he posts. You’ll discover lots of things you never knew exisited.
POST a comment this week and I’ll enter you in another one of my high tech drawings (where I, once again, draw a name from a hat). You’ll have a chance to win something cool from my Valley.
The winner of last week’s drawing for the book about the Cuyahoga Valley is Lana. Send me your street address and I’ll send you your book.
We’ve gardened for some time here in our valley, but this year we decided to expand our garden, and our minds. I’ve spent the last few years exploring permaculture. Dictionary.com defines it :
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The loop is where the River flowed before its course was changed. In 
If you ever want to know about the history of my town, the 