Decorating

Why is it Called “Mezzacello”?

Rick and I had been searching for a house in Old Towne East (a downtown residential neighborhood in Columbus, OH) for a few years. We talked about what we wanted to do with a house, and what it would be…

Beginning to Start to Commence

What do you do with two vacant lots a low budget, and big dreams. You build and plan! Oh and rebuild the house as well.

The Path to an Aquatic Ecosystem

Armed with a vision and some CAD plans for my semicircular Georgian pond, I presented my idea to the Columbus Department of Health Animal Permit Division. I had discussed my need for a large aquatic biosystem to support fish and…

A Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystem

A Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystem

A big hole, bigger dreams, some resources, disasters, and a summer later, we have a pond. And there were ducks.

A Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystem

Twenty-First Century Realities to Restoration

Ah the things you find while transforming a vacant urban lot into an urban farm and garden. Kevlar Gloves!

Twenty-First Century Realities to Restoration
An old drug needle left by a sad soul in the brambles that used to define the lot at Mezzacello.

The Evolving Role of the DMZ Between Formal and Urban Gardens at Mezzacello

The DMZ at Mezzacello has traditionally been the line between the formal and feral.

The original vision of the DMZ as a border land between urban and formal gardens.

Pretty versus Plentiful with Ducks and Chickens

The poultry need to be isolated with new plant growth. It’s time to sequester the chickens and ducks.

Chickens at Mezzacello chilling out and turning the compost piles.

Unlabeled Perils of Modern Urban Farming

Salts and other chemicals unlabeled are dangerous. This seems like it would be obvious  until you face working a full-time job (that you love) and then cramming all the chores, ordering supplies online or from stores when funds are available…

Bags of salts and chemicals that have languished unlabeled over winter.

Songs of Ice and Fire

With the spring comes the inevitable spring cleaning on an urban farm. My back gardens were a mess and the greenhouse… don’t even get me started. Without proper upkeep and care, the hard sun, the city pollution, and the rain,…

Bonfire of the delusional