The Season Starts

The growing season has started. Granted it hasn't felt like April with the lack of rain and random spikes in temperature. In some ways I can't complain but it has thrown me off and doesn't feel right for the Northeast. It is finally raining today but in such a gloomy glum way. I am posting some photos of what I've been working on lately in the lot. Keyhole beds, garlic sprouting that were planted in the fall, strawberries, herbs and flowers. I hope to experiment a lot this summer with fruit tree guilds and perennial herbs and vegetables. I can't wait.

The bee chillen in the cantaloupe flower was from last year. Its like a little cozy bed. All it has to do is fly right in. Everything nature makes has its purpose and when you see those connections it is inspiring and magical.

How clean is your water?

Here is my water filter in action. This is just the ceramic filter I scrubbed clean. You can see what I'm NOT drinking everyday. NYC water is considered one of the cleanest in the country but that doesn't mean it doesn't have it's share of contaminants from old pipes and whatever chemical additives they put in municipal water such as chlorine and fluoride.

I installed a 3 tiered water filter in my kitchen sink a few months back. I have a ceramic filter for cysts, bacteria and small particles down to .05 - .09 microns, a fluoride filter and an Activated Carbon filter to remove chlorine, VOCs, Heavy Metals and Pesticides. The Ceramic will last 3-5 years cleaned once a month. While the other two need to be replaced yearly. My water tastes cleaner and fresher and I don't have to let it air out before I water my plants. I bought my filter through this site. He was reliable and quick and I got my system packaged nicely. I just had to do some simple plumbing and I was all set to go. I recommend plumber sealant over the tape to prevent dripping. Also you can buy a shower filter attachment so you're not showering in chlorine water which is also evaporating and getting into your lungs from the hot water. Isn't that lovely!? I will showcase that on another post.