Flowers!

Living at the EcoHouse is such a treat. Not only do we have the vegetable garden, the 50 or so bulbs planted last season, and the perrenials Jenny brought to the house in the fall, but we have all the flowers planted by the previous owners of the house to discover!

6-credit Summer Practicum: Sustainable Farming and Local Food Systems

This class is in Ithaca this summer but sounds absolutely fabulous. I hope someone can take it and share with us!

Whats Going On!

Don't let April Showers get you down! Take a break from school work (I know I need one...) and get outside and garden. Enjoy the spring bulbs creeping out of lawns everywhere. Take a walk and notice the crocus, snowdrops, and violets quietly bringing color back into the gardens. Maybe pick up a peice of trash or two...I've noticed the snow melting has left quite a few paper cups and plastic bags laying around. Or, for even more fun, come to an event!

Before you go

Syracuse has had such a lovely spell of weather. The last four days have had high temps at or above 50F. Perfect gardening weather. Of course, there is still a bit of snow on the ground but its no bother. Clean up in the cold frame revealed some very happy spinach that has put out a burst of growth in the sunny weather. I've started some Romain and Black Seeded Simpson in side that will go in the cold frame as soon as we return to school. I also popped some radish seeds directly outside. We'll see if they decide to grow.

While cleaning up the perimeter of the yard I noticed the heads of bulbs peaking through the leaves. I have to say, the only thing more exciting than seeings your own bulbs blooming is anxiously awaiting the blooms of unknown bulbs. Whenever I move to a new house I am always torn. How much do I plant? I know I am going to be moving again shortly. Is it worthwhile to plant something that I will only see for a season, maybe two? Now that I get to  inherit garden plants I know how much fun it is to discover plants left behind. I expect to find daffodil and crocus bulbs in the beds but there are quite a few bulbs that are new to me. Do you know what they are? 

Hope that everyone has the chance to enjoy this much needed break! When we return we'll plant some peas, clean up the yard, and get going on LAND|scape club's native plant garden!

Until then,

Elizabeth

Meeting Recap - March 7th

Hey Eco-House,

There were a few people who weren't able to make it to the meeting yesterday, so I thought I could send out a recap of what we talked about and our goals for the next few months.

Native Plants Garden

-We have received a $300 contribution from the American Society of Landscape Architects for the  purchase of materials and construction of the Native Plants Garden

-Brad is typing up a general letter asking for plant and material donations from local nurseries.  He send out a  rough draft of this for review.

-Mike, Steve, and Kerri will measure the dimensions of the garden site and create a base map.

Fundraising

-We are planning a recycled crafts sale for Earth Week

-Tin candle holders, Aluminum can earrings, etc...

2010 Upstate NY Permaculture Gathering

-Saturday, March 13th 10:00am-5:00pm

-Contact: Elysa Sigielski at emsmigie@syr.edu

Calendar

-March 13th: Permaculture Gathering

-April 11th: Eco-House work day

-April 18th: Recycled Crafts Party!!

-April 25th: Native Plants Garden planting/ construction

*Join the new facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=352563258323

Happy Sustainable living!!

Kerri