Dominium Designers: Co-creating Food Producing Eco-systems

Dominium Designers
Co-creating Food Producing Eco-systems

Consultation • Design • Construction

FUTURE (PROJECTED)

PROPERTY MODEL
June 2009 - Ongoing

In the near future, we will be starting a property renovation project to serve as a model of what can be done with a piece of property to turn it into a productive food system.

Property site has not yet been selected, but will likely be in the Verde Valley area. Funds are currently not in place for this project, but we expect they will be.

CURRENT

MAGO'S RANCH
January - March 2009

Currently helping a friend acquire an organic heirloom seed company called Seeds Trust. Growing plant starts to sell locally (mostly tomatoes). Doing research and care for a Lebonon Cedar tree eco-project sponsored by Floracopeia. Helping design and establish an organic garden.

Possibly staying longer to help with the company and work on other various projects such as the launch of a beekeeping operation.

VERDE VALLEY AGRICULTURE RENESSANCE
January 2009 - Ongoing

Please visit the CVBugle for a summery of what's happening. Currently conducting research on native plants and local growing conditions to establish the most effective, organic, sustainable, low-maintenance food system for small scale home growing. For the latest research, check out the spreadsheet.

PHOENIX PROJECT
February 2009 - Ongoing

Currently in exploratory stage. Please visit iaons.org for more information.

PAST

TORREY
October 2008 - December 2008

Responsible for designing and building a 28x48 ft. greenhouse for a large bed and breakfast from beginning to end. With the assistance of a tractor and small team of helpers, we removed rock and graded site, dug two foot holes for posts and cemented them in (to withstand high wind), dug a two foot trench surrounding the greenhouse and insulted with 2 inch foam board, dug a 50 foot long trench 4 ft. deep for a non-freezing water supply to the inside of the greenhouse, laid groundcloth, erected the pipe framework (using a kit), installed raised beds inside, strung cable for wind resistance, helped design the duel sheet, double layer polycarbonate ends, installed the blower, installed the double layer of plastic, finished the trim on the ends. Total cost - approximately $10,000.

WALLA WALLA
January 2008 - August 2008

Renovating a small piece of city property, I turned an old overgrown lot into a little food growing paradise. I did have a little assistance. First, I removed an old dilapidated garage and many large (up to 3 ft. diameter) weed trees by chainsaw and forklift. Next, I graded the spot and made eight 3 ft. x 9 ft. raised bed boxes, obtained fill dirt, tested the soil and added eight different amendments, and then transplanted or sowed all of them. The transplants came from seed we started in a makeshift indoor house greenhouse. I also transplanted in grapes, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries from local nurseries. Did some pruning and fertilizing of already present fruit trees and brought them out of a viral disease to produce some amazing fruit. I wish I had pictures of the "before" but I do at least have some of the "after". Everything was grown 100% organically, with largely heirloom/organic seed.

CYPRUS GARDENS GREENHOUSE
1994 - 1998

While in high school I had the opportunity to work part time in a commercial greenhouse. Much of my time was spent doing plant propagation through cuttings, but I had the opportunity to work or at least see how the whole operation worked. From mixing and amending soil, to transplanting, to pulling orders, to watering, to heating and cooling, to delivery. During this time, along with jobs in construction, electrical and plumbing, I was able to offset about $4,000 yearly of my private school tuition.