earthweaverlandscaping

Sculpting the Land

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 02:49:32 GMT

Discover the art of land sculpting with John Bianchini of Earthweaver Landscaping in Cornville, AZ. Explore the intersection of organic agriculture and creative landscaping, as we share insights, stories, and inspiration from the enchanting landscapes of Sedona and the Southwest.

The Basics of Biodynamics

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 07:40:41 GMT

The Basics of Biodynamics

A flow form mimics the turbulence of a creek in geometrical ways to bond nutrients into water at Filigreen Farm in California.

This model began over 100 years ago in Europe, based on the anthroposophic, spiritual science put forth by Rudolph Steiner.

At the heart of those who practice this method is the belief in human imagination working with the elements and cosmic forces to produce food that is imbued with a life-force critical for health in food and for all life in the soil.

Most Biodynamics operations are in Europe, but it has grown to areas in Australia, India, China, and South America. In the US, the northeast and northwest seem to have the most interest in Biodynamics.

Steiner spoke in 1924 to farmers in Germany, addressing their observations that newly introduced chemical fertilizers were creating problems in their fields.

Biodynamics is this: the earth is a living, breathing organism. It is made up of bedrock containing silica, and this silica is a crystal that receives inputs from the cosmos. This energy goes into the earth as an inhalation during winter and exhalation during summer. It is a subtle phenomenon to witness, but it can be observed in the soil.

Making use of these inward/outward forces, the farmer is asked to participate with their imagination using a meditative practice to create homeopathic soil amendments made from manure, silica, and particular herbs.

Native plants of the Sedona area

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 07:40:20 GMT

Native plants of the Sedona area

Paintings like "Echo Canyon Chamisa," by Brad Price, is quintessential Southwest and a great choice for the garden.

There are many great choices for native plants in the Sedona area that often are overlooked by landscape contractors because they are not trendy.

Earthweaver landscaping like to design and promote native plants in the Verde Valley that are popular in areas like Santa Fe, NM. or Flagstaff, Ariz.

Chamisa or Ericameria Nauseosa is most common in the high desert, but can be found growing along Hwy 179 in the Village of Oak Creek. Earthweaver landscaping has even established it the hotter climate nearby of Cornville, AZ.

This plant is drought hardy and attracts butterflies, blooming from later summer into fall.