UrbanFarm
O Fortuna or the Cost of Life is Death
When I first started Mezzacello five years ago I went in completely blind and ignorant about what farming really meant. I thought it would be grow and harvest – it would be happy and easy. But it’s really not. You…
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!
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…
When Mezzacello Was New, Father’s Day, and Good Food
In 1871 people, when Mezzacello was new, families, children, and probably servants spent their days very differently. On a rainy day, me and my favorite dad, Rick made a visit to The Columbus Museum of Art to see the Dutch…
Parterre Gardens, Guerrilla Gardens
In the ongoing mythology of Mezzacello the idea of a DMZ between “North and South Korea” i.e. the pretty and plentiful gardens has been a sacred one. We both of us decided we needed a neutral ground to rest and…
Preserving Eggs 1860 Style
Every summer I waste eggs that I don’t get out to people in need or I can’t eat fast enough. I collect fresh chicken and duck eggs. I bring them in to the house confident that their natural bloom will…
Peas Porridge Hot, Peas Porridge Bold
Eat like a sailor! A ration of peas and seawater with a dash of butter and flour and some toast and you have a meal!
House Abandonned: The Tale of the Shell of Mezzacello
The house at Mezzacello is 151 years old this year. The house that exists today has been constructed in five sections over that period of time. The original 1868 farmhouse, the 1890 J. Lloyd addition, the 1910 Rufus Main addition,…
