Retired
Finch Frolic Garden is now closed, and I am as of yesterday, retired. I became Diane Beeler in November, and next year we will be moving out of state. It is difficult to leave my friends, many of whom are also clients. Since the food forest was created in 2011, my daughter Miranda and I have educated thousands of visitors on our tours, in our workshops, and in off-site lectures. My heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us, and who has taken permaculture to heart and to practice.
I will publish when we put Finch Frolic up for sale; many of you have already expressed interest in the property.
I have been requested to keep this blog up for its information, and I will do so. I may be able to add to it when the dust settles, or create another one in our new home.
Permaculture will always be something that I practice, I preach, and I beseech homeowners to follow. Regenerative practices are vital in our stressed world.
Thank you again, friends, followers, permaculturalists, and all who donated time and money to keep us going. It was worth it.
Diane
9 Comments
Diane
Hi again Tana, I have someone in mind for you, and I will email you with her information. Diane
Diane
Hi, and so sorry that I can’t help you with your landscaping. I contacted a friend of mine to see if she is still doing landscaping but she isn’t. Greg Rubin is the best native landscaper in the San Diego area. When interviewing other landscapers, couple of things to think about when you ask them about their services: plants should not be planted on raised mounds… These are for drainage and SD needs to capture rainfall, not get rid of it. If anything plants should be in shallow depressions. Small sprayers that give plants a deep soaking quickly are far better than drippers that keep the soil constantly moist. Roots follow water, and deep, less frequent waterings emulate rain showers and won’t drown the plants. You can mix natives with non-natives but be aware of the watering requirements of each plant. For instance, lavender is drought tolerant, but does better with a couple if deep soakings a week during hot weather, when Ca. Lilac and native sages (after establishment) will fail if watered that often. A good place to start is to look through online photos of drought tolerant gardens and see what you like the look of, and identify why you like it, then ask for that. Fire resistance is also an area of concern, so covering embankments with rosemary, prostrate acacia and other standard drought tolerant shrubs which are also high fuel sources is not a good idea. Natives such as prostrate coyote brush is. Hope this helps! Diane
Tana Anderson
We are new to Fallbrook and I just came across your site. Since you have left the area, can you recommend someone who could help us design a water wise garden to replace lawn. This is our front yard and on a slight slope.
Many thanks.
Tana
Diane
Hi Megan, so sorry but those were it. We will be moving next year as well. Thank you so much for commenting, and I hope that you find some useful information on my blog or in the references. Diane
Diane
Hi, thank you so much. I hope that you continue with the natives. The Fallbrook Land Conservancy has some resources, and Greg Rubin and Lucy Warren’s book, California Native Landscapes is invaluable. Best of luck! Diane
Wicki Van De Veer
I wish you a very happy retirement. Having recently moved to Fallbrook and having just begun to study native plants, I missed the benefit of meeting you and your garden. your site inspires me and I will do what I can to follow your lead.
Megan Medina
Congratulations on your retirement! Although I am sad I missed the opportunity to tour your permaculture home. I just read your last one was in November but I hope you have one more before you move
Diane
Ellen, thank you so much for your kind words. I take them straight to heart. Best of all possible futures for you. Diane (and Miranda)
El
Diane,
What deep gratitude I feel for you,and your daughter for envisioning Finch Frolic Garden permaculture and making it possible. This vision and practice is what replenishes and naturally enriches our shared world with all sentient beings, as it should be. Thank you.
My sincere hope is that another who can will embrace your vision and practice and continue Finch Frolic Garden.
There are other permies in this world who can continue and expand the vision that you share with all of us. I look forward to hearing.
All the very best to you with your next steps forward in your life. Ellen Loos