Eric Giordano

An area where I would like to create a nature path on my property is currently overrun with poison IVY. I had an idea for a solution and need some advice.

My idea: Sheet mulch the entire path with a corrugated cardboard roll at about a 9' width. Wood chips go in the middle 3' to create the path. Compost and organic mulch go on the 3' wide strip on either side of the wood chip path.

I'd like to plant these side strips with plants that will out-compete the poison ivy, effectively creating a living barrier preventing the poison ivy from coming near the path. The path might be quite long (1500-2000 ft) so ideally, it would be something I could seed that would colonize these strips. Maybe there are a few plants I could use so there is some variety? Maybe a few larger plants could be planted along the strips as well for interest.

What do you think? Will this work? What plants should I use?

I am part of a community garden in NYC. There are feral cats around and sometimes I see them in the garden.

I was wondering if it would be a good idea to set up a little cat village to keep them in the garden to scare away birds and other pests?

Are there any cons I'm not thinking about?

Thanks, awesome info!

I've heard that any toxins or heavy metals in soil will be stored in the green tissue of the plants and not transfered to the fruit. How true is this?

Are there any studies or reliable articles that show if this is the case?

I live in NYC and want to plant raspberries, blueberries, currants, figs, hazelnuts, apples, and peaches. I want to know if I can plant them in the ground in my community garden.

Where are you at in NYC? I live in Brooklyn. Looking to do a lot of foraging, plant growing, profiting and not, etc. this year.

What should I look for in a plant nursery as far as ethical, ecological, organic methods and practices.

Are some nurseries better than other in this regard and how to I find the good ones?

I live in New York City. I want to find plant nurseries close by or somewhere between here and Boston.

I'm trying to envision what balconies, patios, stoops, back yards, and store fronts in NYC would look like if permaculture designers took them over.

What plants are good for container or small bed gardening in the New York city climate, that have a permaculture function?

I guessing going with native plants first is the best plan. I want to grow vegetables, herbs, materials, and other resources.

Let's make a plant list.

Thank you! great comments

I made this flyer for gardening services I want to offer in NYC.

Anything I should include or mention that's not on here?

I have heard this figure before but forgot what the specific number is. I would love a source so I can share it.

I want to know how many earths are needed at the current rate of global natural resource consumption. I thought it was 2.5 or something.

I found this BBC article that shows how many earths would be needed if everyone lived like an American, but I want to know the current global rate of consumption, and how how many earths would be needed to maintain it.

Here's the BBC article: http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33133712