here are a few select photos from sol. you can see more by perusing the photos category.
Our building, just off International Ave. is shared with several families as well as a capoeira school and artists’ studios. The neighborhood is full of schools, light industry, taco trucks, and a rich diversity of people. We hope to add to the local cultural vitality with our work.
growing food
One of our most important projects is to revitalize the land by growing healthy, organic food for ourselves and our community. Against the recent history of neglect in the land, we have begun to filter the topsoil of glass and trash and to grow many plants. Pollinating insects and birds have already noticed and begun to visit.
composting
The majority of our household garbage is food waste. Our scraps are diverted into a three stage backyard compost pile. After five months, our first five gallon bucket of well-sifted humus was ready to enrich the soils.
pond
The pond is both a meditative space and an integral part of our long term water conservation plan. Wetland plants, now thriving on the edges, will eventually help filter excess nutrients out of our greywater. With a slow, continuous circulation through a series of basins, our shower and sink water will be cleaned enough to water the garden with. The landscaping of the pond is all from concrete rubble found on-site.
fruit trees
We have planted eight young fruit trees which will mature into an entrance orchard on the east side of the lot. This one, a loquat, will eventually offer fruit over the fence to pedestrians on International Ave.
preparing the soil
Aside from rubble, glass, and archeological oddities, the ground is covered in a prolific invasive grass. While the cover and roots kept in some soil moisture, they have let few other plants become established. Here Corey and Deepa are clearing some of the grass to amend the soil and plant corn.
greywater
We strive to conserve and reuse our resources, including water, as best we can. Our first greywater project is a simple one: a recycled barrel collects the swift outflow from an elevated laundry machine. The water then trickles by hose out into a mulched swale, feeding the roots of a nearby lemon tree. The laundry soap is biocompatible.
revitalization
Another project has been to revitalize the interior space. Here Alicia, as usual, brings light and warmth to the room with a colorful sun.
workshop and event space
Our interior space, often used as a staging ground for outdoor projects, also has much potential. We plan to use the open area to hold workshops and events when the garden is flourishing.
greenhouse starts
Our first small business effort is as a nursery for herb and vegetable starts. The young plants will be sold to a nearby organic market on the island of Alameda.
barbed wire
This view is down the fence line between our site and the neighbors, who also have fruit trees and, like many locals grow small patches of food. We believe security is created through trust and familiarity rather than fortification. For now, the rusty barbs become the ironic supports for beans and other climbers.
rot
It is not really possible to be disconnected from the creatures and elements of nature, even in the most urban setting. Our building itself is part of the food web, here being consumed by molds, a common building problem. The boards were exposed when the new horizontal joists were installed. A bedroom is directly above these boards.