ecologically-conscious farming and land management practices through education and demonstration
This past weekend we had the pleasure of hosting an organic vegetable gardening workshop at MA Center San Ramon called Planting Joy! We had a wonderful group of attendees from around the Bay Area, all sharing one thing in common: the desire to learn how […]
This past week was an opportunity to use the many lemons harvested to make a batch of marmalade. This time we decided on a ginger variant. The first step is to wash the lemons in cold or lukewarm water. The lemons are peeled, and the […]
On Saturday, April 22nd GreenFriends Farm (GFF) at MA Center in Castro Valley held an Earth 🌎 Day celebration open to all. Educational booths included a slide presentation showing the history of the farm, water conservation practices used at the farm, permaculture, bee care, and […]
Last weekend we had a large volunteer group from Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) visit GFF and spend a seva day. HSS is a non-profit organization founded in the 1940s, you can learn more about HSS at their website (https://www.hssus.org). The day started with an introduction […]
We have created a new thermal composting area specifically to compost the organic food waste and Orchard fruits such as apples and pears. One fruit we do not compost is peels from citrus fruits. There are a few reasons why we choose not to compost […]
What is a Bee Board? In the hive structures at GreenFriends we use a screened bottom “sticky board,” which is at the lower structure of the hive. In the pictures below you will notice where the board is relative to the structure. There is a […]
In recent weeks the Orchard has experienced a wide range of weather conditions. There has been snow, rain, wind, and sunshine. The changing weather has been a constant change of activities in and around the Orchard. The heavy rainfall and dampness have seen more green […]
What’s the buzz this week? One of our hives, Brahmani, was returned to the orchard this week. Thank you to the Bee Team for their hard work, dedication, and devotion to our pollinator friends! The trees are currently bursting with blossoms and nectar, and patiently […]
This week was more painting of the trees in the Orchard. There was another period of dry weather, allowing the volunteers to meet and progress with protecting the trees. It is an important task as mentioned last week. Thanks to Anupama for organizing the Nature […]
Next time you visit the orchard, you might notice the lower part of the fruit trees have been painted white. You may wonder – why is this done? There are a few reasons why fruit trees’ trunks are painted white. Typically the painting takes place […]