Garden Tips

Finding Joy in Small Things

Now that winter is here at Mezzacello, I’m having to waterproof and winter-proof everything. I do this every year. And every year it seems like I have to redo everything. Nature and its entropy. But I knew this was going…

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.

The Ghost Foundations of Mezzacello

Since 1868 when the house was built, there have been three houses built and destroyed here to the south of us. The foundations remain.

The Ghost Foundations of Mezzacello

Why Communication is Key on an Urban Farm

That one time when I took the animals to an evening event, but did not tell Rick. Poor Rick searched all night.

Why Communication is Key on an Urban Farm

Fear, Necessity, Economics and the Future

Hence Mezzacello Exists. This is a reflection on the past, the present, and the future.

Fear, Necessity, Economics, Reason, and the Future
Food from PAST Foundation collected intentionally for the chickens so it doesn't go to waste.

Sustainability and Renewal

The secret to sustainability is finding ways to reintegrate waste and produce more than you started with. Repeat and add diversity.

Sustainability and Renewal

Musings on Energy

The blog post where I muse on the intersection between, life, art, physics and metaphysics. A little Rock and Roll, Voltaire, and Newton, with some Clerk Maxwell!

Musings on energy
Leaf Shredder and Dry Leaves

Spring and the Art of Yard Maintenance

April is here. The grubs and pests are waking up, but the plants aren’t yet sending up their tender shoots. It’s the perfect time to let the ducks and chickens forage. Both species of birds are the perfect gardeners friend…

Poultry in the 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.