Homestead

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What Is Xericulture?

Xericulture is an innovative approach to landscaping that uses little or no supplemental water.  Synonyms include "xerogardening," "xeriscape," "xeriscaping," and "water-wise landscape." Closely related are "dry farming" or "dryland farming" for commercial agriculture.  These offer many benefits.

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26Feb2009 | Elizabeth Barrette | Comments Off | Continued
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How to Host a Potluck Feast

Most people have attended a range of potluck feasts, from small to large, on various occasions … and of various qualities.  But do you know how to organize a potluck so that it’s not all potato salads?  A little advance planning goes a long way towards making your potluck a success.

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22Feb2009 | Elizabeth Barrette | Comments Off | Continued
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Birds Moving North

According to reports from the Audubon Society , some bird species are shifting their ranges northward in response to climate change.  The society has a backyard bird count scheduled for February 13-16, as well as a petition to combat global warming .  This is related to the northward shift of planting zones .  Climate change affects everyone, and its effects are becoming more and more noticable.

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13Feb2009 | Elizabeth Barrette | Comments Off | Continued
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Natural Building Techniques

Natural building, or green building, refers to a variety of techniques and materials that cause little or no damage to the environment during or after construction.  Conventional methods of building are much more destructive.  Natural building uses local materials to suit local needs with beautiful structures and offers other advantages.  Here are some popular styles of natural building.

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3Feb2009 | Elizabeth Barrette | Comments Off | Continued
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Garden Catalogs Galore

Every year in late winter, my mailbox fills with trees and flowers and vegetables.  I receive catalogs from many general and specialty nurseries.  Mail order opens up a much broader selection of cultivars, often saving money in the process.  It also breaks up garden expenses into early (Jan-Feb) and later (April-May) buying seasons.  Here are some catalogs you might enjoy browsing.

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2Feb2009 | Elizabeth Barrette | Comments Off | Continued