All This Rain

4.28.09- I checked on the garden after all the rain that happened yesterday and after coming to know we have a ant/aphid problem in the jardin. Spent some time pulling weeds & checking on the plants that were marked as having ants. They all seemed to have either washed away with the rain or the nontoxic solution we used on it on Monday. It's a bit hard to tell at this point. However, another plant in a completely different row was discovered to have ants and the same solution was used on it.
Also, due to the rains, a few of the corn stalks were knocked over slightly and we went in and reinforced them with dirt around.
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Today it is whirling around in my head. Will we have to quarantine part of our work? How much did the rain affect the dynamics of the maize? We'll take a look today, as there has been no rain- and i'm going to look around a bit more at solutions to kill ants and get rid of these aphids! I've heard cotton balls in clove oil, instant grits, coffee grounds..etc..
Peace.

The Ants Go Marching

got out to weed today & realized ants are creating a situation that is dangerous and hurtful to a few of the plants in the garden, even without much to their knowledge. just had to reflect on that & connect how that is what happens when you growing your self. always make sure to take time to step back & reflect on what you are growing and figure out what needs to be weeded & what pests need to be controlled. all part of what you strive for in yourself, and in your plant, for that matter- balance.
so, back to the ant matter: i asked some friends, did some research, and from what i can gather, the ant is not considered a 'pest' in a garden. they have the ability to recycle in the garden by picking up debris and by controlling other insects, but they have a symbiotic relationship with aphids that can do serious harm by sucking nutrients away from the plant, thus causing its growth to be postponed, causing it sickness, or death.
aphids are, however, not terribly difficult to get rid of and we feel as though this has been found out in enough time to be handled. We decided to go with a homemade nontoxic spray (mostly because the items were readily available), but there are several remedies- including promoting ladybugs in your garden to eat the aphids, so we will see how it goes.
*we did also get quite a bit of rain after the spraying, so later, we'll be out there seeing what that has done to the problem!

Up To Now In Fotos

Jardin-date....

Our small Jardin is making big waves! After some hard work of preparation and planning, we got to plant our Maize a few weeks ago.


Since then, they have been growing and enjoying the company of our small homemade scarecrow. After surviving the long-needed heavy rain, our Maize got a wonderful surprise! Some compadres generously gave us some squash who were in need of a home and space to grow. Although they were left to weather the storm and were drenched with water, our adopted squash underwent some quick greenhouse treatment in the back of Dante Piquin (the trunk of a suv).


Continuing on it's small adventure to the Original Jardin, our baby squash had to be planted quickly in hopes of salvaging it from it's small container. A few people came out to help tend to our Jardin, through giggles and competing against one another to see who found the biggest weed, or "imposter" Maize plants, our small intimate grooming session manifested into laughter and the celebration of life as we created spaces for our squash. With the wind blowing in our hair and the earthly sounds of a spring evening in East End simmering down, we were able to create a new home for our squash to grow. With gentle coos, oohs, and ahhs our Squash was graciously welcomed at the Original Jardin, and blended well with our Maize, I must say.


Feeling the cool dirt in my toes and hands as I helped de-weed and create hoyos (holes) for the squash was an amazing experience. As I watched my brotha's and sista's work sideline with me, I was overcome with a tranquil state of mind. Watching this Jardin grow, and seeing the communal efforts to strive for a better living inspires me in ways I can't describe.

After our Squash was planted we discussed some ideas for other areas, and plans we hope to make happen in the near future. So stay tuned and don't be afraid to drop some knowledge for us, whether it's suggestions, comments, tips, or even a few links!

pAz,
la Gritona

It Begins In The Mexica New Year Calli- 10

We talked, planned, dreamed, schemed...even drew up floor plans, but nothing manifested until 2009, when we found the people willing, called a meeting, and realized that if we didn't get it moving, our garden would never happen.
So, with our individual research and with the hands-on experience of our hermano, Mictlan, we've decided to create a space that features the 7 Warrior Plants, which are known to provide the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed to sustain ones self. The 7 Warriors include the 3 sisters (maize, squash, beans) and the other four supplements, Chile (Vitamin C), Maguey, Cactus, and Amaranth. For a breakdown of each of what the plants provide, visit el Mazatl @ TO YOUR HEALTH: OUR ANCIENT NATIVE DIET.

After being out in the yard a few times, the rest of the crew mentioned keeping a log (duh?), so here it is. This will be the representation of what the garden grows ~ in terms of food & the mental of those who come across it. I'll be back-logging a bit for you guys and then the rest of the gardeners will be adding on along with me.

I'd like to note that I can safely say that our main drive for all of this work is LOVE. We all come from different plots on the Red Road, but we are moved by the love that truth manifests. It's our adoration for the earth (tonantzin) and her ability to give life and allow things to take root. Our love of ourselves in terms of where we come from, who we were, and how it can help us today. Our respect for the far reaches of humanity. And our interest in freedom as a community of Original people who have been controlled & constrained for far too long.
We woke up one day and planted seeds. You dig? ha.

We ask for input, constructive criticism, and props! Tlazos y Tiahui!