Uncertainty – a homage to a new year
We swim in uncertainty. Lucky us. Here – (play music) – comes the sun . . . . . . will it? And, yes, I see it does now, the magic of it beyond words. Hold tight the zephyr of cold air from this last night’s sunless moments that mixes now with dawning’s warmth. Breath out, breath in. Mark how the sun’s warmth banishes cold. Such is dawn. And give thanks, shall we, now to uncertainty, to the zephyrs that remind us of... Read More
Making fridges use less energy
This just in from Rosie Knott of South Australia: Dear Michael, I read your book ‘Sustainable House’ 4 years ago, when I purchased my house. Your description of a ‘cool pantry’ interested me, as I had a cupboard in the middle of my house which I thought would be suitable to adapt, as the space under the timber floor is huge and maintains cellar temperature. However . . . I modified your idea and it works a treat. So this is something you might... Read More
How to dig a drain under a path or road
Here’s how to put a drain to your garden and to get the drain below an existing path or other paved area. This is a simple, easy-to-do way of getting water to your garden when a masonry or other hard surface is between your garden and your source of water. We might sum up this method as, “digging with water”. What’s not discussed here are safety issues which you’ll need to also resolve such as: are there any electrical, gas or other... Read More
Scenes from Fremantle book launch and conversation
On Monday night this week Fremantle City Mayor Brad Pettit and I had a conversation with over 100 people at the inspiring Replant nursery in Wray Street, Fremantle. Replant saves native grass trees from being destroyed by bulldozers clearing land for housing. We sat surrounded by these trees, many several hundred years old, as the clear evening light came down on us and we talked, building up our hunger for the locally grown food awaiting us outside.... Read More
Making lemon grass and lemon tea tree cordial
Making lemon grass and lemon tea tree cordial from freshly harvested leaves After being crushed in the mortar the leaves are steeped in hot water There was lots of Shovels and Picks 101 More Shovels and Picks 101 At the urban farm working tour last Friday in an hour and 45 minutes we: harvested lemon grass and lemon tea tree, washed and ground it and then poured boiling water over it and let it steep... Read More
