city living

My First Garden

Understanding and Exploring the Role of Balance in Our Relationship with the Natural World is a critical 21st Century skill.

How We Discovered Mezzacello

The Origin Story of Mezzacello as told by Rick. Who would buy a property in the city and then adapt it completely to another use?

The original empty lot from the alley

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…

Why “Poor Boys Have Poor Ways”?

This was our original inspiration for starting Mezzacello. We had vision, but no funds. Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson

Why "Poor Boys Have Poor Ways"?

Urban Farm, Urban Problems

Urban Farm, urban problems vandals, theft and working out the path of sustainability and ecosystems. We rebuild and keep working.

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

Compost, Soil Enrichment, and Garden Infrastructure

In place composting like you see in nature on the forest floor. A lasagna garden. That is this lesson.

Compost, Soil Enrichment, and Garden Infrastructure
final layer of soil and nutrients

Pondergeist

I have consigned myself that I have built this pond on the site of an ancient Indian burial ground, and is cursed by malevolent spirits.

Pondergeist
Adding a pond to the DMZ.

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.