Entries by Ruth

Persistence Pays

May 16, 2014 The photo shows new sprouting on this oak log that was cut last fall. It was a reject from the mushroom inoculation event because it was too small. It’s still alive! That’s persistent. Scientists please add to the conversation, but one explanation is that the cut wood forms a new meristem, which […]

The Bees Begin

April 2, 2014 Draping over the corner of the orchard is a giant weeping willow. It was in full bloom during the March 16 work party, with innumerable sparkling yellow catkins. The willow is an important source of pollen for bees because it blooms early in the year. The Temperate Climate Permaculture website has all […]

Fruit Tree Pruning – Short-term Losses for Long-term Gains

Februrary, 26, 2014 On the cool Saturday morning of February 15, nine of us huddled around the multi-varietal pear tree. We listened closely, moving from tree to tree, absorbing as much information as we could during the comprehensive pruning class taught by Ingela Wanerstrand. Since the fruit trees are just coming into their fourth year, […]