Stewardship...

::Refers to our responsibility to care for our natural resources- land, air, wildlife, and water- sustainably, so future generations can enjoy them::

This is what we are working towards here at our urban homestead and now that we are nearing the end of the year it seems important to take a look around us and think of all the possibilities and directions we want to engage for the future. I know that, as a whole, the garden has grown more than ever and seeing the progress has inspired me to extend my own reach as far as possible. Here are some of our new year's resolutions:

-Upgrade our grey water system 

-Experiment with raising bees for honey

-Expand our urban garden

-Preserve more and shop less for food

-Utilize more solar energy

-Plant more fruit trees and bushes

-Always always keep learning how to garden organically and do things ourselves

There are many more but these are the big ones. I have a personal resolution to maybe get a few ducks to raise for eggs so I'm crossing my fingers... Here are a few photos of recent garden scenes. (by Justin of course!)

Little pea plants

First attempt at Fava Beans is lookin' good! These versatile beans are amazingly healthful and even the shoots can be eaten. Having never grown these before, I am amazed at this extremely cold-tolerant plant. The tender budding sprouts withstood our frigid snow-day this year when temps were all the way down to the teens!

Going strong

We finally got around to planting these tulip bulbs today in a brand new flower bed in front of the house. When spring comes, these rows will be bursting with beautiful color. Plus! they are edible and can be used as garnish so they fit in here in our all-edible garden. There are such a wide variety of edible flowers that I intend to grow as many as possible (another resolution).

Bucket of bulbs

Well, that's it. It's been a fantastic year here and I am SO excited to do it all over again! Really, growing food has been the most super duper thing ever. :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!