S.O.W. 2011
by gabe - March 7th, 2011.Filed under: Uncategorized.
S.O.W.
4870 Chute lake rd.
Kelowna BC
V1W 4M3
778 477 5518
March 6th 2011.
This year at Summerhill Pyramid Winery S.O.W. (Summerhill Organic Wildcraft) the company owned and operated by Gabe Cipes is contracted to perform the following farm projects:
Forest Gardens- Forest Gardens are diverse food producing perennial ecosystems. It will consist of indigenous Berries, Herbs, flowers and fruit Trees, companioned with non- invasive companion fruit trees, vines, berries, herbs, tubers and legumes. The system will be set up with drip and overhead for the first year or two with the long-term goal to be fed by swales. (Ground water harvesting contour ditches filled with grape vines and leaves.)
Wetland Regeneration- Our Okanagan Wetlands are realms that can hold countless forms of biodiversity. They are the cradles of all life. Indigenous herbs and berries important to supporting animal life and medicine for people will be regenerated in their proper meso climates with appropriate guilds of companion plants increasing biodiversity and animal habitat.
Wild Flowers- Along the wedding banks, on the edges of the gardens, on top of the Kekuli and on the edges of the Vineyard perennial flowers will be planted as insectaries are for pollinators.
Vineyard Companion crops- A 2 acre block of vineyard directly below the observation deck will be utilized for experimental companion crops. We will be using a chicken tractor down the rows, using drip irrigation, and planting a variety of crops including medicinal flowers, grains, and herbs down the center of the rows. SRED research will be conducted on the effect of the adjacent grape yields.
Biodynamics- All Nine Biodynamic Preparations are being used for compost, foliar feed and mildew control on the vines and vegetable gardens. The Astral calendar will be observed for planting, earth moving, composting mildew control and harvesting. All Biodiversity is recognized as part of the whole farm ecosystem.
Earth Building- The earthen floor, stonewall and cob entrance of the Kekuli will be completed this year. S.O.W. will also endeavor to facilitate workshops on Strawbale, Cord, Cob and natural plaster building to create the walls and exterior of the new Vineyard Shop.