The 19th annual event from the Congress for the New Urbanism -CNU 19-builds on the theme of “Growing Local,” in Madison, Wisconsin this year from June  1-4, 2011.

The conference will explore linkages that urban communities have with local food production, the food economy and the infrastructure that has developed around this symbiosis.

New Urbanism’s mission is an urban design and development movement dedicated to implementing community-oriented principles of traditional town and city planning in contrast to the prevailing system of formless sprawl. Scholarships are available, so check it out!

Basil Basil

This plant was quite a surprise because I grew it from seeds embedded in Pangea Organic soap box I got as a gift. I recommend their beauty products and find their commitment to sustainability and seed packaging fun as well. Continuous watering and plenty of sunlight allowed this basil to flourish through the summer months like crazy. Now that it’s approaching winter, I’m trying to make sure it stays alive and healthy. Although the stalks are starting to harden, the tops are still blooming as I keep adding fresh basil to top off many meals as much as I can.

The little avocado plant thriving in the sunlight…on it’s way to becoming a tree!

Growing Homes Harvest Festival

Yesterday was a perfect day to be on a farm, especially a farm that is doing so much good. From my earlier post, Growing Homes Marseilles location is a 10-acre farm growing organic foods and teaching people valuable skills. Yesterday, we went on a tour of the farm and learned the different types of vegetables and fruit they plant such as apple trees, asparagus, swiss chard, tomatoes, beans, kale, basil, onions, garlic, and the list goes on. It’s amazing to see the variety they can produce on their land, especially when I looked around at all 4 sides of the farm and see only monoculture corn fields for miles. Their biodiversity provides healthier soils and eliminates the use of chemical sprays. Chickens were very much part of the system too. These free-range birds were living well with fresh air, space and food, while doing what they do best by picking through compost and the field.

It was nice to see so many people come out and support their efforts and value the benefits of organic and locally grown foods. By the time I got around to the market, most of the produce was sold out. I did get a couple onions, garlic, yellow string beans and tasted some yummy ripe tomatoes on the tour. In addition to the perfect day, The Giving Tree Band played late in the afternoon. For the last 5 years, they performed at the festival. I’ve seen them back in April and love their live presence, music and mission to sustainability. Seeing them in an intimate setting was great. To end the nice day at the farm, we were invited to a barbecue and had grilled zucchini, eggplant, homemade canned beets and watermelon. Now that’s what I call a successful harvest festival.

(Source: growinghomeinc.org)

An Urban Garden Visit

Last month, our good friends invited us to Growing Homes’ Urban Farm Open House, located on the south side of the city. It was a very hot and humid day, but also a day of some inspiration. Growing Homes teaches organic farming and job training, especially to low-income or homeless individuals. We got a tour of the urban gardens from one of the interns. It was great seeing all the wonderful plants and colors, and hear about the growing/harvesting period. We saw how the interns transformed their own little space to grow watermelon, cantaloupe and corn. These interns showed how much they learned by connecting with the Earth and also changing their lives through this program.

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to visit Growing Home’s 10-acre farm located in Marseilles, IL for their Annual Harvest Festival. There was a tour, food, and a band. I’ll post the photos from it soon. Look up ways to support their efforts and check our their Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) shares or ones nearby you!

(Source: growinghomeinc.org)