In our last article in this series of posts about biodynamic ferments and peppering, I explained how to make and use a problem weed ferment. But we can use weeds in ferments for much more than just keeping a challenging one in check. Weeds are naturally full of...
Over the past months, I have been writing about some of the different plant-based ferments and peppering used in Biodynamic farming. Cow Pat Pit, known as CPP, is also a ferment. It is not one of Steiner’s Biodynamic Preparations, but was developed by leading...
In our previous article we looked at how to make a problem weed ferment used in Biodynamic farming to keep unwanted grasses and other plants in check. However, ferments are not only used to help solve issues. There are a great variety of beneficial ferments that you...
In this third article in our series of articles about the use of ferments and peppering in the biodynamic system of farming, I am going to share the essential information of how we make and use ferments to help to keep problem weeds in check at Avondale. It is...
In this next couple of posts I will be looking at some very useful teas and ferments used in biodynamic farming. Also known as Medicago sativa or alfalfa, Lucerne is a wonderful legume as it binds nitrogen and is a wonderfully rich food to help breed up protozoa,...
As family man… Avondale is a family farm where we appreciate that the health and balance of our living system is inextricably linked to well-being of our families. As a father of two and a husband, as son and brother, my inspiration to achieve a robust, balanced vineyard ecosystem is to ensure that Avondale will support the lives of our future generations.
As artist… A passion for jazz and a love for all forms of art, especially woodwork and sculpture led me into four years of fine art studies – an eclectic education for a budding a farmer, for sure! However, I have found that in so many ways, the patterns, interconnections and openness of the artistic worldview have influenced my understanding of how living systems work.
As farmer… My interest in farming started early when I was a boy growing up on a small-holding outside of Durbanville. I planted and tended my own vegetables which I sold to family and friends. I hardly imagined at that time though that I would one day become a farmer. However, the theme of a healthy balanced life was embedded in our family’s outlook.
Fruit
Root
Flower