Farmdaze...

"Farmdays" have begun. This week we went over an introduction to Cover-Cropping, Green Manures, a break down of "Nitrogen Fixers", Composting, and an introduction to Hawaiian ethnobotany. We talked about the fact that if the boats stop coming, there is said to only be enough food in the grocery stores to feed the people of the islands for 6 days. It is part of our kuleana to work with the land, and to pass along the lessons to our friends, family and community. We began a discussion about the metaphor of plant guilds, and how a healthy, thriving eco-system is much like a healthy thriving community. There is a need for someone to build (biomass, legumes, composting materials), there must be someone who heals (sudan grass, turmeric, marigolds, calendula), someone to provide nutrition (Nitrogen fixers, dynamic accumulators such as comfry), and long-term food (ulu, sweet potato, cassava, avocado), The cleaners (fungi, and worms), etc etc... As we continue to build plant communities, they teach us more about ourselves, and our needs, and our strengths that each of us brings forth. We are reminded how much stronger we are together, and how each one of us enable the other to flourish and thrive. This weeks project, building a fire-pit/gathering space (for more wonderful discussions, music, dancing, silence, and contemplation.) Everyone did a fantastic job, we are almost finished with the firepit. We concluded the day with Ajas magical garden salads, some fine home-brewed kombocha, and a BBQ:) Thank you to Johnny, Ulani, Sydney, Kenneth, Paul, Aja, Sam, and Kelly. Looking forward to creating with you again next week.