Trick or Seat

Thanks to the Natural Building class at DVC our first cob bench at CACG is almost complete.

 If there is any "Trick" then this is the trickster!

Ms Bethallyn Black. Teacher of the Natural Building class at DVC

Here are some images of work on the back of the bench. The sticks act as strengthening and key the base and back together.

Because the cob has to dry it took several visits to the bench site to complete the process. Part of the learning was to gauge the moisture content of the mix. The art comes in the fact that depending on the part of the bench, and the chronological order of each particular batch, every mix needs to be slightly different.

Half finish coat applied

 

What Can I Plant in My Garden Now? 

In Late October it is getting risky to plant small seeds of beets, chard, kale, peas, radishes or lettuce. The nights are getting down to the forties and conditions are becoming too cool for a strong start before winter sets in.

It is possible to plant transplants of beets, cabbage, chard, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, garlic cloves.

It is possible to plant cover crops. UC Davis has a useful list. I have had trouble getting red clover started, as much as I like the idea of how beautiful that could be. Fava beans and mustard seeds are good choices to begin germination as the first rains begin.

 

From Ariana Notice of a Community Trade Event in Pleasant Hill

*Gregory Gardens Community Trade Event*

    WHEN: November 8th, 2014 from 10am-2pm

    WHERE: Gregory Gardens Elementary School

 Greetings Neighbors!

I’m inviting all families to join us for a very special event taking place on Saturday November 8th from 10am to 2pm. This will be our third community trade event and I hope you can be a part of it one way or another!

Gather your toys, clothes, games, tools, jewelry and anything else you have in mind to trade. This is a great way for us to come together in peace and meet new neighbors while having a great timing enjoying ourselves.

------- The intention of the event is to reduce money usage and introduce the concept of trading; this way we can feel connected and relieve stress! -------

Ø     In addition to the trading, I encourage those who play instruments to bring them down to the park and jam out during the event, which will be held in the field in the back of Gregory Gardens Elementary School.

Ø     If you do any form of art- poetry, painting, singing etc, come show your neighbors how you express yourself! If these are tradable items, feel free to include them with the community trade.

Ø     Bring along a snack as well if you can to help contribute to our feast!

Please be respectful of the area and your surroundings, so clean up after yourself!! Also, remember to bring back your belongings once you leave the event.

 Thank you, hope to see you there!

  If you have any questions or would like to help out,                                                  please contact  Ariana via email – peaceandpepsi@yahoo.com

Collard Treat between 'Joy' and 'Freedom' raised beds at CACG

Building Swales above San Jose

Earlier this month I was able to create rainwater harvesting swales on a 3 acre site at Mt. Hamilton in the hills to the east of San Jose. In total there were several hundred feet of swale which will slow, spread and sink rainwater for a new orchard and natives planting. I very much enjoyed this creative and very useful project and hope to do something similar, closer to home, soon.

The soil was very dry clay. The aim is to create an effective capture of runoff without destroying the beauty and natural flow of the land. Swales are about 1foot deep and 4 to 5 feet across.

I found gopher snakes and spiders.



Gopher Snake

A tarantula?

 

Thank you all for the support of the Crop Swaps. Next one is on November 26th. The last one of the year. We can light the fire pit and have some hot chocolate afterwards.

 

Happy days of Fall,

 

David

925 286 7225