This year we kept the chickens in the orchard so they could forage. We used a chicken tractor (movable coop) to move them to fresh ground every week or so. The fence had to be moved everytime we moved the chicken tractor so it's a little worse for wear but it did the job. Happy hens scratching in the shade on a hot summer's day.
The Chicken Co-op
This summer's garden was the largest and most productive we've ever had, thanks in large part to our garden manager, Peg Homeier who was out there working nearly everyday.Long view of the gardens from the southwest. Taken in late spring the white patch is the row cover on the brassicas. Sunflowers getting ready to bloom.This view shows eggplant, okra, peppers and sunflowers. In the background cucumber vines are making their way up the trellises. Two different varieties of cabbage.Spaghetti squash coming along.After a longer and wetter than usual spring (delaying planting) we had a long hot dry spell. Soaker hoses were laid all through the beds and connected to rainwater catchment or this large tank. The solar panel runs the pump that moves the water up from the pond to the tank.The scarecrow in Toad Hollow. Unfortunately we still lost a number of seedlings to the birds.These huts made from lengths of rebar will support beans.It was very hot for much of the summer and the zuccini plants often drooped during the heat of the day (a normal reaction) but, because the soaker hoses were in place we had a bumper crop of zuccini. This is the kitchen garden which included radishies, carrots, lettuce, spinach and onions.Rhubarb sprout just beginning to emerge.The large leaves and colorful red stems of rhubarb can make an interesting focal point in your garden. The stems of these (shown in late spring) are ready to be harvested.The tomato patch just after stakes have been installed. As the vines grow, twine will be woven through and around the stakes to keep the vines upright. Windowboxes on both sheds planted with petunias, pansies, daisies and other flowers added a touch of whimsical beauty to the gardens this year.A large garden requires lots of labor. It's hard work but with many hands helping out and working together, it's also fun. A beautiful okra flower.We were stunned at the size of some of the sweet potatoes this year. A bumper crop of sweet potatoes.Hayden and Cameron carry bales to Toad Hollow for mulching.Some very tired workers! Cameron, Meghan, Hayden, Susan, Kasandra and Peg relax and admire their work. Winter has held off so long that these cabbages, turnips and several pounds of brussel sprouts were harvested on Chrismas Eve!Some of the turnips harvested on Christmas Eve. The greens were destroyed by frost but the turnips are excellent! The biggest one weighed 2 pounds.
The CSC Gardens
Mapping the trees in the orchard helps in the documentation of progress and care for the trees.
The Orchard
Pines line the south edge and help keep the area cool.A great day for a little rowing.
The Pond
Some local resident fitted their homes with solar panels on the south facing side.Solar panels power our telephone company. It is the smallest telephone company in the United States that is powered with solar technology.From toasters to heat, various solar panels power many different things.Stelle's water treatment plant and a local resident use wind turbines to create electricity.Alot of wood can be collected from the CSC property.A press is used to turn apples and pears into cider every fall.Rain catchments are inexpensive and can provide much water for gardens and flower beds.Some residents dedicated to sustainability have attached greenhouses to their homes.
Stelle Sustainability
Willow trees are attractive and provide much shade.The trail to the bridge is just as inspiring in the summer....
The Beauty of the CSC Land
Friends and Volunteers Make A Difference