Gavin Hoffman

Next week I will be removing a 1000gpm diesel horizontal split case fire pump that performs 167PSI at churn. The pump is in perfect working order and will be the whole skid at a minimum, but broken into 2 parts plus the skid. I have heard that a farmer may potentially buy this sort of pump. It would be a shame to throw out as they cost a half million dollars. The pump is being removed from the Bay Area so it would have to be somewhere outside of the Bay Area Air Quality district jurisdiction. These pumps are pretty bulletproof but not meant to be run continuously. A good use for this pump could be a well or spring that fills a water tank. The pump will feed from the water tank and be able to pump far uphill or through a very far run of pipe. The pump could be run manually or on a timer to supply water to a large space to be irrigated or refill a water tank or pond at a higher elevation. Open to any suggestions. Thanks!

I live in the Bay Area and eat meat. I don't have the space or time to raise animals. Any recommendations for quality ranches/farms that practice permaculture principles? I go to farmer's markets but also will order through the mail from the right place. Thank you for understanding.

Nancy Reading wrote:Hi Gavin - lovely photo!
Just to clarify - did you mean

What do you grow that birds love, but don't eat yourself?

They do seem to get their little beaks in some things that I'd like to eat myself! and also my seeds that I'd like to harvest they often have first pick. The goldfinches here love my dandelion, radish and carrot seeds!

Good catch, they definitely get my seeds but I'm OK with it as they tend to plant more than they take.

Samantha Lewis wrote:

Anne Miller wrote:I agree those are lovely flowers.

I thought sunchokes had yellow flowers, what variety are yours?

I think the sunchokes are behind the pink flowers there.  

looks like they are still in the bud stage!  so interesting!  

I am in eastern WA where it is getting cold and wintery.
mine have been flowering for a week or so.  



My little birds are always in my lilacs.  It is like the community hang out zone.    

There are a lot of nutrient deposits under those bushes.  

That sounds lovely, little birds in lilacs. My sunchokes already bloomed and a strong wind blew all the petals off.

Located in 10a Oakland, CA

Thank you everyone for all the suggestions! Given my climate and budget I will probably go with a fireplace insert. I found one for free nearby on Craigslist. The wood burning cookstove is very interesting to me though, I'd love to cook on a wood stove.

Thank you for reading my post! I am blown away by the knowledge, creativity, and experience of the people who post here. I have a lot of experience with gardening and water conservation, but this RMH stuff goes over my head. I believe I have a fairly typical setup but would really appreciate some guidance on how to get stated. Please allow me to explain my situation below.

I lucky enough to live in a single family house on a south facing slope in zone 10a Oakland, California. In the home there is a fireplace that I would like to use as I have access to free firewood (but not a huge amount). I have heard that open fires are wasteful and polluting. Wood stoves seem to be a step up, is it possible to put one in my fireplace? Just stick it in there and light a fire? If there are any other systems that may work well for me, I'd love to hear it. I can tackle complex piping projects as I am a ua trade school instructor. I'd love to keep costs low but have it look decent. Really appreciate any suggestions. Thank you so much.