2011 Growing Spaces Articles Archive
42 posts
A year of news and mission. 2011 covered farm-to-school programs, community greenhouses, and Slow Money entrepreneurship, with founder writing on building a values-driven business and a standout series on a Growing Dome project on Navajo Nation.
We are Made in America
December 15, 2011
We spend a lot of time talking about our greenhouse kits and what they can do. Next, we highlight our vision of a sustainable world, and lastly, we sometimes happen to mention who we are. The increasing attention paid to goods made in America has caused us to think back to who we are as…
Slow Money Entrepreneur Showcase Presentation
November 23, 2011
If you missed it last month, we have it to share with you now! Puja Dhyan Parsons, Owner & CEO of Growing Spaces® LLC was one of 24 people representing her company in the Entrepreneur Showcase at the Slow Money National Gathering on October 13, 2011 in San Fransisco, CA. A hallmark of the Slow…
Dealing with the Pests in Your Life
November 22, 2011
When the summer sun provides a daily flush of fresh produce we are lulled into a happy, comfortable state. Then the daylight begins to escape us and the warmth dissipates. In the last month or so you may very well be asking yourself, “Why are the spider mites, aphids, and white flies having a heyday…
Visioning the Balance
November 21, 2011
“For Puja and I, everything is connected, and we are ever awed by the complexity and beauty of the natural world. Offering a product which helps people enjoy and support this beauty and the bountiful ways of nature – while growing an abundance of food – is very fulfilling for us.” – Udgar Parsons, Co-Owner…
School Garden Program Inside and Out
November 11, 2011
We’ve been keeping you in touch with the happenings at Galileo School of Math and Science in Colorado Springs, CO from the very start of their school garden program. You’ve seen many snapshots along the way including some great segments from the local Fox news station. All of those pieces were great fun to share…
November’s Dome of the Month Winner
November 8, 2011
Congratulations to Larry Berger of Winominee, WI on his gorgeous photo of his aromatic Brugmansia inside of his 22′ Growing Dome. Larry posted so many great photos throughout October and September that we had a hard time choosing. He may not have received the most votes on any single photo, but all combined definitely make…
National Food Day Celebration Growing Dome Style
November 1, 2011
Here’s a report on the National Food Day Celebration that took place in two different Growing Domes in Colorado Springs, CO from the Bent County Democrat: “A magnet school in Colorado Springs and a demonstration garden in Woodland Park were among 20,000 venues in all 50 states hosting events held in conjunction with Food Day…
Galileo Greenhouse to School Lunch
October 26, 2011
"Last month, we showcased the construction of a 42' Growing Dome at Galileo School of Math & Science. Now, we're thrilled to reveal the completed greenhouse, transforming school lunches with home-grown produce! This project, a collaboration between the school, local organizations, and the community, is not just a source of healthy food for students but also a beacon of inspiration for the district. Students are actively involved, reaping the benefits of their hard work in their daily meals and even sharing with other schools. Dive into our latest update to see how this greenhouse is sowing seeds of change in school nutrition and community engagement.
Agriculture Education Sees Growth
October 17, 2011
We always love when the school year starts as we get updates on how the school Growing Domes are doing. This year is no exception. Roaring Fork High School and Yampah Mountain High School located high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado were both featured in the Sunday news in the article Agriculture Education Sees…
Puja Parsons Presents at Slow Money National Gathering LIVE Streaming
October 12, 2011
On October 13th, 2011 tune in around 11:30am PST and wait to see Puja Dhyan Parsons present for 5 minutes at the Entrepreneur Showcase! We’re expecting her to be sometime between 11:30 and 11:45 am PST (that’s 12:30-12:45 pm Mountain Time). We’re so excited and hope you have the chance to join us! We’re excited…
Press Release: Local Business Presents at Slow Money National Gathering
October 11, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESUBJECT: Local Business Presents at Slow Money National Gathering Puja Dhyan Parsons, Owner and CEO of Growing Spaces® LLC has been one of 24 people selected to represent her company in the Entrepreneur Showcase at the Slow Money National Gathering on October 13, 2011 in San Fransisco, CA. A hallmark of the Slow…
October’s Dome of the Month
October 7, 2011
This month we have a “shocking” Growing Dome photo to share with you from Mike in Oklahoma. We like to see this shot as a symbolic representation of how powerful the Growing Domes are! Too bad we don’t have a way to harness the energy of lightning in the Growing Domes. Guess it would be…
Solar Powered Business
October 3, 2011
Did you realize that Growing Spaces is a solar powered business? The solar panels installed outside our workshop provide enough to run our shop and offices while leaving power left to send back into the grid. Our staff also participates in energy saving activities that help us make the most of the sun power we…
4th Annual Colorado Entrepreneurship MarketPlace in Pagosa Springs, CO
September 29, 2011
We are excited to share this very valuable opportunity for our small community in southwest Colorado. Pagosa Springs will be hosting this two-day conference offering small businesses owners educational and networking opportunities. The conference is extremely affordable at $30 per day or $50 for both days and includes tours of two companies in Pagosa Springs,…
Farm-to-School Webinar: Sept 29th, 2011
September 21, 2011
We’ve been mentioning and following the Farm-to-School program run by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and are very excited about an upcoming webinar they are hosting next week. It is in celebration of the upcoming “National Farm to School Month“ in October. Here’s what’s in store for those attending the webinar: “USDA will…
A Worthy Journey: Putting youth gardening into perspective
September 19, 2011
As we celebrate the interest from children and young adults in growing organic food, we want to point to major influences over the last few years. I thank the efforts of Jamie Oliver, Will Allan, and Michelle Obama and many Moms and Dads who are convinced that learning “where food comes from” is the beginning…
STEM Intern Helps Us Grow
September 19, 2011
As you may have already guessed, we’re all about education of all ages here at Growing Spaces and are always searching for new ways to empower people with knowledge about how to live and grow sustainably. We had an awesome opportunity this summer to hire an intern to work in our shop through the local…
Randall Geo-Conservatory Grand Opening
September 9, 2011
Flagstaff AcademyRandall Geo-ConservatoryGrand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. Join us Tuesday, September 13 at 6 p.m. as we celebrate the completion of a project three years in the making. The Randall Geo-Conservatory is a living classroom for Flagstaff Academy K-8 students. The indoor, year-round garden will provide students…
What About Farm-to-School for the Little Ones?
September 2, 2011
I am not very good at baking….there I admit it. I love to cook but have a mental block on baking. It is challenging, to say the least, with all of my food allergies. (Wheat, gluten, eggs, dairy!) So I gave it up long ago but in the recent months the need has come back…
Nurturing community while moving towards sustainability
August 16, 2011
Across continents, Growing Dome projects are more than just structures; they're catalysts for community bonding and sustainability. Witness our journey from Costa Rica, where a dome became a beacon of hope for special needs children, to Colorado's Flagstaff Academy, where it transformed into a living laboratory. These builds, akin to barn raisings, fuse construction with cultural exchange, creating profound emotional experiences and a shared vision for a sustainable future. Join us in exploring these inspiring stories of community, collaboration, and hope.
Build Now for Fall Crops
August 11, 2011
Would you like to be in a warm, green oasis when it’s snowing outside? The optimum time for sowing cool weather crops in the Growing Dome is by the END OF SEPTEMBER. This will allow you plenty of time to get your greens, carrots, beets, radish, leeks, garlic, onions, and more established before the winter…
Dillon Valley Elementary School Greenhouse
August 1, 2011
Partners Summit Prevention Alliance, Summit School District, the Dillon Valley community steering committee and Neils Lunceford have been working together to get a healthy eating initiative in Dillon Valley to increase community access to local fruits and vegetables. Their dreams came true this past weekend when they began construction of their new 22′ Growing Dome…
Gardening How-To Video Series
July 26, 2011
If you haven’t been on our YouTube channel lately, we’d like the chance to share the episodes from this Summer’s Gardening Tips video series. Our favorite is the most recent Hand Flower Pollination video: Also check out these fun videos on cooling your greenhouse in the summer:
An Inspirational Culture of Life
July 19, 2011
Paul Renner of Gabrielle Cousins Living Foods program in Arizona pays a visit to Growing Spaces Greenhouses
Cost versus Value: How to reconcile spending more for organic food
July 19, 2011
Whether you buy your red bell peppers conventionally grown from Chile or organically farmed down the road, you are likely noticing that food prices are rising faster than inflation. This just adds another layer to the already complicated question of, “What am I willing to pay for my food?” Every time I’m at the grocery store,…
Fat City Farmers Noble Community Mission
July 7, 2011
Fat City Farmers, a Western Colorado non-profit, has been revolutionizing local food economies since 2009. With a focus on growing farmers and nurturing community spirit, they employ permaculture principles to educate on organic gardening and market farming. Their projects not only enrich community health but also sustain and grow the local food economy. Dive into their story to discover how they're sowing seeds of change and cultivating a healthier, more connected world. Visit their website and Facebook page to see their latest groundbreaking projects.
Gardening & Beyond Video Series
July 5, 2011
To follow the theme of the Growing Domes®, we like to promote “going local”. You can’t get any more local than growing your food at home and we support local gardeners as part of this movement. In 2010 Udgar Parsons, Growing Spaces Owner & Founder, taught at a “Gardening & Beyond” educational program that was…
A Gateway to Sustainability
June 17, 2011
As the world turns towards sustainable solutions, the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, stands out as a beacon of hope and innovation. This visionary project, transforming an exhausted quarry into the world's largest conservatory, exemplifies how communities can come together to create impactful, eco-friendly spaces. Its blend of education, tourism, and social enterprise inspires visitors globally, subtly promoting ecological awareness. In Pagosa Springs, we draw from this example, envisioning our own eco-destination with the Geothermal Greenhouse Project. Join us as we nurture this dream, planting seeds for a sustainable future and inviting you to share your green community stories.
Pagosa’s Geothermal Greenhouse Project Bringing Us Home
June 17, 2011
In a world grappling with economic challenges and environmental concerns, Pagosa's Geothermal Greenhouse Project stands as a testament to community resilience and sustainable living. Embracing the 'going local' movement, this initiative is not just about cultivating plants; it's about cultivating hope and kinship within the community. Drawing parallels with the Eden Project and the transformative vision of the Aspen Institute, this project symbolizes a shift towards a sustainable, eco-friendly future. Join us as we explore how this project is shaping Pagosa Springs into an eco-destination, celebrating human ingenuity and a sustainable way of life.
Growing Organic Food in Urban USA
June 14, 2011
Living just 100 feet from the freeway, the Dervaes family lives a self-sufficient life in the middle of LA. They grow enough organic food on their 1/10 of an acre of available “farm” land on their 1/5 of an acre of property in Pasadena, to live year-round without going to the grocery store for food….
Spinach Loaf Recipe for the Kids
May 24, 2011
Spinach Loaf Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine: Pour into buttered casserole dish and bake 35-40 minutes until inserted knife comes out clean. White Sauce: Whisk together in a saucepan:
My Jamie Oliver – Navajo Nation Adventure
May 23, 2011
Allan Werthan provides an outstanding account of his visit to Arizona to build a Growing Dome Greenhouse in Navajo Nation
Jamie Oliver’s Passion, Our Gratitude
May 23, 2011
Rewinding to 2010, Growing Spaces embarked on an inspiring journey, aligning with Jamie Oliver's mission to transform global nutrition. Our collaboration reached a pinnacle during Oliver's American Road Trip, where we donated a Growing Dome to the Navajo Nation, fostering sustainable living and native plant wisdom. Oliver's dedication to educating on healthy eating resonates with our ethos. His efforts, from cost-effective meals for world leaders to tackling obesity in America, echo our commitment to 'choosing life' through sustainable practices. As Oliver's influence continues to spark change, we invite you to explore his vision for a healthier world and our shared dedication to a sustainable, nutrition-focused future.
Building a 33ft Growing Dome Greenhouse
May 1, 2011
Belfast Central School in New York finished their 33 ft Growing Dome and we wanted to share this slide show of the build. The dome looks great and was a great project for the students!
Keeping the Greenhouse Warm in the Far North
April 21, 2011
Growing Dome Greenhouses in Alaska and Canada stay 30 deg. F warmer in the winter than outside
Creating a New Business Culture
April 4, 2011
I am writing after the Japanese Tsunami, the upset in Madison, the revolution in Egypt, and many other newsworthy events. It is a time of questioning and a time of “upset” I am sure, to most of us and we all have to integrate new fears, like the potential for Nuclear Fall-Out from the power…
Control Whitefly Infestation Naturally
March 27, 2011
Whitefly infestations can be recognized when a plant is disturbed and a giant cloud of tiny flies fills the air. Although the Whitefly hatches and lives in the soil, it feeds on the undersides of foliage and often leaves a sticky residue. Unfortunately, this residue attracts aphids, and the aphid + residue combination attracts ants….
Michelle Obama and Growing Spaces – Working Toward a Common Goal
March 17, 2011
Today’s announcement that Michelle Obama is authoring a book on the importance of school, urban and community gardening is another example of the mind shift that is happening in the United States and across the globe. Her support of healthier, more self-sustaining lifestyles is directly in line with Growing Spaces vision. Growing Spaces was founded…
How Winter Growing is Possible
March 10, 2011
The difference between the inside and outside of the dome on a cold winter night depends on how many sunny days you are having. With the domes 7 unique features for heating and cooling, we are able to grow year-round, even in the Rocky Mountains, because we can keep the temperature at a decent level…
How to Sow Your Seeds
February 25, 2011
We have talked in our previous posts about sowing a batch of cool hardy seeds for our spring crops. A few words about how to sow your seeds may be appropriate here. The first thing to note is the size of the seed you are using, as they vary quite enormously. The average depth to…
Flowering Broccoli, Catch Crops, and Early Spring
February 22, 2011
Spring is a very fun time in our Growing Dome greenhouses. Usually all the winter crops that we have been harvesting and eating over the winter are starting to go to seed. Do not despair! A lot of these vegetables have edible flowers. For example, arugula, tatsoi, mizuna, and a lot of edible greens also…
Geodesic Greenhouse Kits Featured on 9News
February 10, 2011
Please join us in celebrating as Growing Spaces was on Channel 9 news this morning! Growing Spaces was selected as one of Colorado Companies to Watch by the State’s Office of Economic Development. You can see the video that aired on February 10th below. If you wish to read the article, please click on this…