We are finishing preparations for entering into the shmitta year, the seventh year in the agricultural cycle when the land is given a sabbatical- no planting, pruning, fertilising or anything that would improve the crop. The land is resting from rosh Hashana this year until Rosh Hashana next year.
The trees have rebounded beautifully from the winter storm- they have grown back much thicker and healthier than even before.
The trees have rebounded beautifully from the winter storm- they have grown back much thicker and healthier than even before.
We have planted about 1000 new trees this year, including our windbreak of carob, mesquite and eucalyptus trees.
We also added a small garden area with Hopi blue corn, sunflowers, watermelon, squash and beans.
We have focused this year on improving the quality of the soil with amendments of organic nutrient and probiotic microorganisms. The results are truly amazing!
One of the more joyous aspects of our work has been witnessing the land come alive...not just the quality of the earth which you can feel with your hands when working (it is silkier, darker and more full of life)...and not just the beautiful trees with their greenery and fresh growth...but also the animals that are on the site in abundance. This was not the case last year.
Birds hover on the wind currents over us when we are working, watching and drinking from the water we have put in troughs, the ground is chock full of footprints from our nightly visitors...hyenas, foxes, jackals, hares, gerbils, mice porcupines...it is a joy to see.
One evening a jackal came right up to us on her way to the water trough. After she had drank her fill she returned even closer, stopping a few meters away from us and we exchanged silent acknowledgment. It was as if she was saying thank you for the water...
We are happy that the Land will rest soon and plan to use this year to work on some infrastructure development that is needed, like gravel roads, construction of a shaded area, entrance gates and perhaps a small abode for volunteers.
Until then we are busy with staking trees, weeding and all sorts of shmitta preparation.
much blessings from the Land, with wishes for prosperity and peace for all,
Shoshana and Yoni
Birds hover on the wind currents over us when we are working, watching and drinking from the water we have put in troughs, the ground is chock full of footprints from our nightly visitors...hyenas, foxes, jackals, hares, gerbils, mice porcupines...it is a joy to see.
One evening a jackal came right up to us on her way to the water trough. After she had drank her fill she returned even closer, stopping a few meters away from us and we exchanged silent acknowledgment. It was as if she was saying thank you for the water...
We are happy that the Land will rest soon and plan to use this year to work on some infrastructure development that is needed, like gravel roads, construction of a shaded area, entrance gates and perhaps a small abode for volunteers.
Until then we are busy with staking trees, weeding and all sorts of shmitta preparation.
much blessings from the Land, with wishes for prosperity and peace for all,
Shoshana and Yoni
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