Field notes — this season
What we learned in our first year of no-dig
We thought we knew dirt. Then we spent a winter watching it work without us — and the next spring everything came up sweeter than before.
The three ethics
I
Care of the Earth
Soil, water, forest, all that lives. We tend, we do not extract.
II
Care of the People
Our neighbours, our makers, ourselves. Health and dignity, in that order.
III
Return of surplus
What is left over goes back to the first two — never hoarded.
Latest field notes
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David Holmgren’s House Tour
It’s the biggest hectare I have ever seen! David Holmgren’s farm “Melliodora” is located in Daylesford, VIC. It covers mere…
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Decorative and Functional Features of the Cob House We Built – Natural Building Apprenticeship
Humans are creative creatures, and no other building medium is as creatively fluid as cob. We’ve experienced dozens of cob…
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Doors, Windows and Floors of a Cob House – “Cob Cottage Company” Natural Building Apprenticeship at Spirit Pine Sanctuary
The walls are going up fast, and it’s time to think about the ‘eyes and mouth’ of the house, windows…
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Cob Mixing and Application Basics – “Cob Cottage Company” Natural Building Apprenticeship at Spirit Pine Sanctuary
The approximate area of the house we are constructing is 550 sq feet. We have 20 days and 15 not-so-experienced…
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Building Foundation and Stairs – “Cob Cottage Company” Natural Building Apprenticeship at Spirit Pine Sanctuary
The house we are building will be a home to a family of four: Mom, Dad and two young boys.…
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Spirit Pine Scenery – “Cob Cottage Company” Natural Building Apprenticeship
Man needs a home, and a comfortable home at that. Can it really be done one handful at a time?…