Visiting the Sierra Nevada

I spent a fantastic 4th of July weekend with Kelsey and her family in the Sierra Nevada near the Calaveras Big Tree Park. Such magnificent giant sequoias.

Can you see Kelsey or is she too small compared to the tree?

famous sequoia whose bottom was carved out so vehicles could go through

Swallowtail One Week Later

Pretty sure it's the same one on the same plant. What a beautiful caterpillar!

And this is a swallowtail butterfly

Biodynamic Compost Preparations

Were you wondering the necessary components for biodynamic* compost preparations? See below. Or if you prefer photos, scroll even lower to see us prepare a pile at the farm. I didn't capture us singing around the pile, but the most definitely happened.
Upon the completion of building a well-made compost pile, six holes are placed at 45-degree angles that reach toward the center of the pile. One teaspoon of the yarrow, chamomile, nettle, oak bark and dandelion preparations are inserted into their own hole. One-quarter teaspoon of the valerian preparation (which is fermented valerian flower juice) is stirred for 10–15 minutes in a gallon of good-quality water (rainwater is best, spring and well water are fine, chlorinated water should be allowed to sit for several days in the sun prior to use). The method of stirring is specific, repeatedly creating a vortex in one direction, followed by a vortex in the other direction. Demonstration is the best way to learn how to stir. Half of this solution is poured into the remaining hole. All of the holes are closed, and the remaining ½ gallon of the valerian preparation is sprayed over the entire pile. (click here for more info)
*Biodynamics is a spiritual-ethical-ecological approach to agriculture, food production and nutrition, and a potent force for change worldwide.

Swallowtail Relaxing in Dill

Taking at the Fitzgerald and Union Plaza City Slicker Farm 

The Farm

I realized that I haven't posted general pictures of the Urban Adamah farm. Here you go so you have an idea of where I spend half my time in Berkeley.



At the corner of Parker and Tenth

Welcome: We Are Blessed by Your Arrival (parking/ bike lot)



Entering the farm



Pano of the farm
(the chickens, goats, and office are behind me and not shown in this photo)

 

Megan and James visit!

On Saturday we climbed up to the Coit Tower, visited Pier 39 and the sea lions, and explored Alcatraz. On Sunday, I gave them a tour of the Urban Adamah farm and they met the animals.

Coit Tower from Alcatraz Cruiser

Golden Gate Bridge

 

Approaching Alcatraz

 

 

Harvesting Lettuce

Harvested 18 pounds of different varieties of lettuce for the Wednesday Farm Stand with Nathan. We cut the lettuce leaving some green (or red) above the root so it will continue to grow and ready for harvest again soon.