Creation Lessons - Short Versions

 Salatin is the Lunatic Farmer, using chickens to feed themselves from newly grazed and heavily manured pasture. The chicken house is moved all the time, just like the cows.

Sassy and I ventured out to see the world this morning. She saw the father of a favorite. He grinned at her until she was close enough for petting. She trotted faster when she noticed him.

The rose garden is a three-dimensional vision, with most of the plants leafing out, growing stronger, showing the results of a winter well spent in root extensions.

 Carbon Cowboys use cover crops to harness the rain, to avoid drying up and flooding.

 Where does this harmony, design, engineering, and management come from?

Below are some positive lessons learned about Creation Gardening and the sources.

1. Aim for earthworms with organic matter and composting. Rodale and earlier pioneers, English of course.
2. Compost on the surface will be pulled down as needed. English writer - Shewell-Cooper.
3. Mulch is little more than organic matter spread around for good effect, composting on the spot, blocking weeds, holding in rain. Ruth Stout.
4. Roses and other favorites enjoy companion plants (roses - garlic) so a mixed planting works very well.
5. The biggest positive factor in the soil is the growth of fungal strands, which should not be broken up by rototilling, plowing, and general mischief. Though earthworms are important in measuring fertility, soil health depends on avoiding toxins and ending the osterizing of soil. The foundation is microbial - fungus, bacteria, protozoa, etc.
6. I knew most insects were beneficial so I never cared for garden pesticides. Jessica Walliser wrote the book on matching ordinary plain Jane  plants with the beneficial bugs they attract.
7. Gardening anecdotes are fun to read, long lasting in my memory, and beneficial. A Blessing of Toads is essential reading for Creation Gardeners.
8. Carbon Cowboys taught me about deep-rooted plants contributing to rain conservation, soil fertility, and beneficial bug production. "A living root should be left in the ground as long as possible." The bucket challenge is pouring a five gallon bucket of water on an established deep-rooted plant. It goes down like it is a drain in a sloped parking lot. Try that on a new plant - goodbye plant.
9. Lunatic Farming illustrated many new ways to renew the soil, harness God's creatures to do mutually beneficial work, and improve nutrition all around.
10. Norma A. Boeckler is a gardening artist, where her illustrations are often adorned with flowers, and her garden looks like a painting. That has to be seen to be appreciated.

 Now I buy plants with bugs in mind, beneficial bugs.

Norma Boeckler is the Monet of gardening, planting and painting beauty - and writing about it.

 This book helps explain why gardening center supplies stink and the garden smells heavenly.