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Food Not Lawns: How to Turn Your Yard into a Garden And Your Neighborhood into a Community
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• ISBN13: 9781933392073
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Food Not Lawns: How to Turn Your Yard into a Garden And Your Neighborhood into a Community
Product Description
Gardening can be a political act. Creativity, fulfillment, connection, revolution—it all begins when we get our hands in the dirt.

Food Not Lawns combines practical wisdom on ecological design and community-building with a fresh, green perspective on an age-old subject. Activist and urban gardener Heather Flores shares her nine-step permaculture design to help farmsteaders and city dwellers alike build fertile soil, promote biodiversity, and increase natural habitat in their own “paradise gardens.”

But Food Not Lawns doesn’t begin and end in the seed bed. This joyful permaculture lifestyle manual inspires readers to apply the principles of the paradise garden—simplicity, resourcefulness, creativity, mindfulness, and community—to all aspects of life. Plant “guerilla gardens” in barren intersections and medians; organize community meals; start a street theater troupe or host a local art swap; free your kitchen from refrigeration and enjoy truly fresh, nourishing foods from your own plot of land; work with children to create garden play spaces.

Flores cares passionately about the damaged state of our environment and the ills of our throwaway society. In Food Not Lawns, she shows us how to reclaim the earth one garden at a time.
Food Not Lawns: How to Turn Your Yard into a Garden And Your Neighborhood into a Community

Food Not Lawns: How to Turn Your Yard into a Garden And Your Neighborhood into a Community

When all else has failed at keeping deer out of the yard, the homeowner may decide to install a fence. Though fences can be rather expensive, they are considered the best way to prevent deer from entering an area. The homeowner should know where to install a deer repellent fence within the yard prior to digging the post holes.

In order to prevent a true obstacle to deer, the fence should be at least eight feet high. Anything shorter than that will just look like a track hurdle to the hungry deer and it will jump right over to have a treat. Even when presented with an eight foot fence, there is no guarantee that the deer will not try the leap, but it is much less likely.

The fencing material should be sturdy so it will not bend or topple under severe weather conditions. Wood, metal chain link, and vinyl are common fencing materials that contain the necessary reinforcement. While a plastic netting fence can be used, it will need to be pulled tight between its support posts to prevent it from falling. Electric fences are another alternative for the homeowner to explore when shopping, as long as these are permitted under municipal regulations. The electrical currents emitted from these fences provide deer with a shock when contact is made.

If a full-fledged fence is considered too much of an eyesore, the homeowner can install a wireless deer fence. This fence is actually a set of posts that run on batteries and contain electrodes in their tips. The tip is scented with a substance that smells like the foods a deer likes. This scent attracts the deer to the post and once it touches the item, the electrical current is transmitted. Deer will become trained over time to say away from the area around these posts.

The wireless fence posts should be placed between five and twenty-five feet from each other. Posts should surround the yard perimeter and some should also be placed in key areas inside the yard, such as near the garden. A wood, metal, or vinyl fence should enclose the yard, angling outward, and should not contain any gaps. The homeowner can use additional deterrent methods, such as netting and soap hung from trees, on the outer side of the fence.

Knowing how and where to install a deer repellent fence will save the homeowner wasted effort and money. A sturdy fence that is at least eight feet high makes the ideal deer deterrent. Wireless fencing is a less noticeable way to keep the deer out of the yard.

Looking to find the best deal on Deer Guard, then visit www.thebestdeerrepellent.com to find the best advice on deer repellents for your garden.

Outdoor storage sheds are great for anything from the kids’ bikes and skateboards to gardening equipment and tools can be stored in outdoor storage sheds. They are ideal for storing recreational objects like boats, campers, motorcycles, and classic cars. An outdoor storage shed with a loft is more cost effective. Anything that won’t fit in the garage can be dumped in the outdoor storage sheds. Different models of outdoor storage sheds are available in the market.

With maximum usable interior space, some models are best suited for grain and livestock storage, as backyard workshops, for boat and automobile storage, and more. Other models are perfect for warehouses, distribution centers, storage sheds, and more. For a backyard, garage or workshop, a single or multiple car garages, equipment shelter, and more other options might be more efficient.

The material used to build the storage shed will determine its look and cost. Some of the choices of materials are metal, vinyl-sided, and mini barns are some of the types of outdoor storage sheds. Metal outdoor sheds are available in different sizes and colors. They are used for storing gardening tools, lawn equipment, work tools, pool toys, winter sleds, and miscellaneous things that are found in yards. For homeowners and business purposes, vinyl-sided outdoor storage sheds are ideal solutions. Mini barns are also a good choice. Frame sheds are one of the most popular outdoor storage sheds used for storing bicycles, tools, garden equipment and more.

Many people find that the accumulation of miscellaneous holiday, garden and yard equipment packs their garage too full for them to park their car or their attic is so stuffed that they can’t get around to find what they need. A backyard shed is the perfect solution to an overstuffed garage or attic. It will help provide the additional space you need while adding style and appeal to your house and yard.

You can buy sheds in just about any size, style and variety. However, if you can’t find a shed that tickles your fancy, you can always choose to build your own. Building your own backyard shed can be easy and affordable. Of course, there are also many ready-to-assemble backyard sheds that are also easy and affordable. Look over the market carefully before you decide whether to purchase a backyard shed or build your own.

Backyard storage units can hold anything from your lawnmower and gardening tools to motorcycles and toolboxes. However, storage sheds do not just need to be used for storage. They can be a perfect place for a workshop for hobbies or crafts. A shed can also be easily converted into a playhouse for kids of any age. Your backyard shed could even be furnished to provide a backyard getaway or retreat.

There are virtually limitless possibilities for additional accessories to customize your backyard storage unit. Ramps can help if you are moving wheeled items in and out of the shed. Shelves and workbenches create more storage space and help in organization. Windows or skylights can help provide beneficial and natural light instead of or in addition to electric lighting. Lofts can also increase storage area and help with organization.

Whether building your own backyard storage unit or purchasing a backyard shed that is ready-to-assemble, you should put some thought into what you really want first. Determine the size requirements you need and the material that best suits your style and your budget. Backyard sheds can be very expensive to very cheap. You want durability in addition to affordability, so you will have a beautiful backyard shed that you can be proud of for years to come.

If you have a family with several kids you’ve probably accumulated lots of items over the years that have put your home on overfill. You might think you need a bigger house when in fact all you really need is some extra outdoor storage. You might even have rooms that are so packed with stuff that they are called your “off limits” rooms. You’re embarrassed to show anyone these rooms because they’re totally disorganized. When you want to find something you know it’s in the garage but you don’t have the energy to search for it.

Before you build your backyard storage shed, check with your local authorities (ie county, city offices and homeowners association) for relevant building permits. You may have to submit your storage unit plans for formal approval before you build. In the long run it will sure be worth the work.

Check out this video about garden pictures:

This is the July Yard and Garden Pictures update. The beans and corn are gone Squach are still brearing Okra is getting started good. We have planted peas, gouards and pumpkins.

Water-wise “naturescapes” offer savings

When it comes to watering your lawn and paying water bills, sound gardening practices can cut down homeowner investments of effort, time and money, reports the American Association of Nurserymen. And, you don’t have to turn your lovely colorful landscape into a rock garden featuring a sprinkling of cactus plants.

This popular approach to water management and water-conserving landscape design has been commonly known as Xeriscaping, and because the term comes from the Greek for “dry” many people assume it describes desert landscapes. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In contrast, the approach focuses on working with nature’s guidelines to create a lush looking landscape. As a matter of fact, “naturescaping” can be another way to describe this water-wise landscape design and management.

Turning your yard and garden into a “naturescape” requires some common sense and planning. That entails choosing the best plants, soils, locations, and irrigation systems for efficient water use. Some of those water-wise plant materials include vibrantly colored perennials and lush varieties of shrubs.

The keys to “naturescaping” involve how, when, and what you water in taking care of your property. Low-volume irrigation systems such as drip-watering devices reduce water use by 50 percent. Early-morning watering cuts down on evaporation.

Water-wise “naturescapes” offer savings. Grouping plants by water requirements is a smart way to guard against overwatering some plants and underwatering others. Save water by replacing leaky parts of irrigation devices and positioning sprinklers to shower areas of vegetation, as opposed to the driveway, garage, or deck.

A constant among guidelines for being water-wise is maintaining the health of your plants. Strong plants don’t need as much water as weak ones do. We have many reports from gardeners that Spray-N-Grow helps their plants withstand drought much better than those not sprayed with Spray-N-Grow. That’s because Spray-N-Grow helps plants develop a better root structure-more roots that are larger and longer. Plants that have a better root structure are more able to “find” any available moisture.

Be sure to add the needed soil amendments and mulch around plants to keep the roots moist. When adding to your landscape, don’t forget to include drought-resistant plants and grasses to those you already have.

Before you begin planning your new “naturescape” or planning how to convert your current landscape into a more water-efficient one, be sure to check with the experts at your retail nursery/garden center. They can offer the most valuable assistance for getting the best results.

I just moved to Louisiana, zone 8b. My fiance and I bought a house that has just been built and is in desperate need of gardening and landscaping. I’m a beginner and need some easy, pretty, layout ideas. What are some websites and/or books that would help a beginner like me in this particular area? For example, I heard there are TWO growing seasons. Okay, I’m from northern Indiana, and we barely had one full growing season! Heh! What is the second growing season for? I also want to have a vegetable garden. Can anyone offer me any advice?? Thanks!!

The design and implementation of a plan for a beautiful yard and garden can set your home apart.  It can also have other important advantages, including increasing the value of your home, reducing the cost of creating and increasing satisfaction while reducing the time required to keep it beautiful and personal.  

There are many ways to create a design plan for a yard and garden including hiring a custom designer, purchasing and using design software, or by doing your own research through the many magazines and do-it-yourself books.  The goal is to upgrade a yard or garden from poor or average to good or excellent.  It has been researched and proven that the monetary return can be anywhere from 7 to 14% when a home is sold.  It may be the attraction that sets your home above the competition when you decide to sell your home. 

There are many ideas to consider when creating a yard and garden design.  The most obvious is cost and time.  You will also need to consider the size of the area, your personal style and environment you live in.  It has been common practice to have a lawn mainly of grass and a garden of green plants.  Alternatives can include choosing to use natural elements, planning for maintenance efficiency, adding a variety of height and size, and choosing décor to highlight the natural plantings of your yard and garden.  In this economy, another option is to consider ways to add a vegetable garden to the décor of your yard and garden, either by area planting or container gardening.     

A well designed yard and garden should include color.  When choosing plants for your design, remember to give serious consideration to their life span and their space requirements.  You need to evaluate the amount of sun, shade and water your areas provide and what plants work well in those environments.  You also need to consider the variety of color and color compliments.  Ask a garden specialist or a university extension agent if you need help.

Gardens can also provide décor to attract birds.  Many people are bird enthusiasts, but even those of us who know little about birds can enjoy their playful antics and enthusiasm for life.  There is a wide variety of garden décor items that entice our feathered friends to make your yard and garden home-such as bird feeders, bird houses and bird baths. 

These are not the only garden décor items that add to the eye appeal of a garden.  You should also consider figurines, statues, arbors, trellises, stepping stones, lights, planters and more.  Browsing through a garden store or website will provide your with many ideas and options.   Each should be chosen according to your style and design.   

With your special touch, your yard and garden will be an extension of your home where you and your family will enjoy time together.  If done correctly, your yard and garden design planning will reduce having to re-plan and replant at a later time.  It will add to the curb appeal of your home and provide a place of comfort and joy. 

State House candidate Joe Rokicsak not putting up yard signs
With only 37 days until the primary, lawns and well-traveled roads are again framed — some may say littered — with all shades and sizes of political signs. But there is one candidate who doesn’t plan to remind you what…
Read more on The Jackson Citizen Patriot

Check out this video about garden centers:

Landscape designer Mulysa Melco talks about Dennis’ Seven Dees’ plans for a display garden that showcases sustainable practices

City landscaping yard, businesses burglarized
A pair of Vicksburg businesses and the City of Vicksburg Landscaping Department reported burglaries during the weekend. At 6:20 this morning, workers reporting to the city’s landscaping department headquarters at 100 Army Navy Drive reported a lock on the gate had been cut.
Read more on The Vicksburg Post