Dirt Pile
We first discussed the infamous pile of dirt in the Kitchen Garden. A group of hearty souls recently (on a chilly day) dug a trench in it, filled it with organic matter and covered it over in hopes of beginning the process of making it usable in the garden. We discussed using the dirt for paths around the garden, for leveling the sloping area near where the tools are currently kept.
KG Design Ideas
We looked at Gabriela's permaculture design plan for the garden some more. Marcelo suggested removing the raised bed closest to the gate because it is so shaded that nothing seems to do well there. By removing it and getting rid of the dirt pile, we could create a larger and more welcoming community space for meetings, pot lucks, music and other gatherings. The raised bed frame could possibly be relocated somewhere else in the garden.
Herbs
Possibility of making a raised bed for herbs, labeling them, making them more attractive; discussion of herbs in the labyrinth garden vs. kitchen garden
Food Pantry
•We want to talk to Molly about the Food Pantry needs. (Marc and/or Iris will connect with her.) How much do they depend on the KG vs. other sources like the CSA, etc.? What can we grow that the FP clients will want to eat? There's a shared interest in our group to connect the FP and KG. Perhaps we can think of activities to bring FP people into the garden. Events work better than a blanket invitation to stop by. Another theme is balancing that connection with our developing ideas of what we can do in the KG. Mark P. spoke about an event several summers ago that was in the KG and centered on food and storytelling. People came from Cabrini and shared their stories of food growing, cooking, etc. We could do another event and ask people to bring a dish to share.
Permaculture Concepts Applied in Berlin
Broadening the discussion to permaculture in life (not just in the garden), Lenore described an inspiring apartment where she and Dave stayed in Berlin. She noted permaculture precept of stacking functions put into action there.
Every space had stacked functions: there was a piano in the kitchen, a swing in the living room (the family has 5 kids), a screen that could be pulled down to watch movies. The parents' bedroom also was a workshop. Each kid's bedroom had a loft bed with workspaces underneath for the kids. There were no closets but organized shelves and clothing rods were suspended way above (very high ceilings) with ropes and pulleys.
Ideas to follow this up at next meeting
MJ suggested choosing one of permaculture's first three precepts and thinking about how we use it in our lives before the next meeting. Next time we might address how each element performs a different function and each important function is supported by many elements. Think about how this is found in nature. Look for practical examples of principles.
Gabriela will select an appropriate segment of INHABIT for us to watch.
How best to compost leaves in KG
Discussion of composting of leaves in KG: permaculture urges most low tech solution
Leave big pile of unchopped leaves would be that but practicality it depends on space, time, needs, etc. Is there room for big (unsightly?) pile of leaves over several years?
Ideas for workshops and visits to make as a group:
• Foraging workshop and walk
• Visit to Deb Taft's farm in Katonah
• Bluestone Farm and Living Arts Center in Brewster: they have monthly volunteer days; run by radical Episcopal nuns
• tool care and use workshop during winter (Transition Westchester did one at Sprainbrook or check with Cornell Extension, etc.)
Permaculture slogans: Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share
Next meeting: Feb. 11; 10 a.m. at Lenore's house
