Living WITH nature.

The creekside remediation project with Villa San Ramon has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. Perhaps most beautiful for me are the dialogues we have with the residents of the community, sharing their memories - of time in their home gardens, of their favorite flowers, of the lush colors and aromas - and expressing their appreciation for our work.

Last week, I toured the site with the Executive Director and the Vice President of Operations for Vintage Senior Living. As we walked, it was noted that the trees now in lush flower had only few flowers in the year prior. And, Virbunums previously with limited flowers are now with abundant flowers.

It is, simply, providing the opportunity for abundant diversity within the community of soil microbes that results in this kind of plant health. And love, I think.

We continued our work on the property and discovered the marvel of Nature in the parking lot. Within the deep cover of Boxwood in a parking median, lay a mother Mallard on her nest. I captured two snails and dropped them to her as an offering for her trust in us. And, as we have worked this site, the Canada Geese, Snowy Egrets, Peregrine Falcons and Cooper's Hawks have graced us with their presence as we apply compost, plant natives (e.g., Penstemon pseudospectabilis), and broadcast wildflower seeds.

It is a gift to do the work of healing soils. Truly. And so much more to share...

Jae Koenig to present at 2010 Low Impact Design Conference / San Francisco Apr-10

Abstract
Bioassay of Microbial Diversity in Compost
Written by Carole Ann Rollins, Ph.D., Nature Technologies International LLC and Jae Koenig, Principal, Ethos Landscape LLC

Application and use of compost in urban and agricultural landscapes has become a common practice for maintaining healthy soils and restoring ecological balance. While testing protocols have improved since 2006, many materials labeled as “compost” are only anaerobic decomposing organic matter due to both processing and packaging. This paper presents research indicating that aerobic compost, with confirmed active and diverse microbial populations, provides the environment necessary for proper nutrient cycling performed by the soil foodweb. This paper will propose a revision to the quality testing protocols specified by the U.S. Composting Council (“USCC”), the American Society for Testing and Materials (“ASTM”) and the US EPA Report SW-846 to include biological assays to reflect the diversity of microbial populations in compost using expanded methods to include direct microscopy, updated molecular techniques, phospholipid fatty acid analysis, and plate counts using numerous agar food sources. Currently, a bioassay of compost analyzes only possible existence of pathogens, stability of compost by measuring oxygen consumption, or seed emergence and seedling vigor relative to positive controls. This paper proposes that compost, meeting this expanded testing requirement, will ensure nutrient and water retention in soils to maintain and improve health of stormwater runoff and related environmental impacts.

Our response to conflict impacts the outcome. Our response to change impacts its effect. Ethos Landscape implements the principles of Permaculture with recognition of the socio-economic and environmental impacts these decisions imply.

We are about nurturing—plants, soil, creatures, individuals, communities. No chemicals, no synthetic fertilizers, no toxins. We plan lush gardens that are drought tolerant. We incorporate natives as often as possible. Simply, we seek to design, install and maintain beautiful and functional landscapes that enhance work, rest, learning and play while honoring the ecosystems within which we all live.

- Jae Koenig