An essential guide for biodynamic gardeners and farmers to the background to and philosophy of sprays and compost techniques.

An excellent, practical companion to the authors' previous handbook, Biodynamic Sprays and Compost Preparations: Production Methods. This book covers use of the field sprays, compost preparations (502-507), horsetail (508), manure management, and more. A valuable resource for the beginning and intermediate biodynamic gardener or farmer.

And if she stayed still Without making a sound She could see gnomes Helping plants through the ground. This radiant picture book was written for Julianna Margulies--the film actor and former star of the hit television series "ER"--when she was six years old. Her father, Paul Margulies, captures the pure openness of a child's imagination. These reflections on what a small girl sees around her remind us all, young and old, that life's riches can come to us through our loving attention to the simple and "ordinary." The vibrant images by Famke Zonneveld (the illustrator of Living Alphabet) bring this book to life. (Ages 4 - 7 years)

This classic text by Ehrenfried Pfeiffer contains the practical experience of the pioneers of biodynamic agriculture, who experimented on the basis of the indications given to them by Rudolf Steiner, who passed on this valuable practical experience to all of us. Only by conscientiously carrying out all instructions from Steiner could full success be reached. Originally published in 1938, this is still an important resource for the biodynamic farmer or gardener. "These lines are written in the hope that the introduction and development of biodynamic methods may be furthered my methodical instruction. It is only a beginning, for in spite of fifteen years of practical work, we are but standing on the borders of a new world of knowledge and of life." (Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, Dornach, 1938)

The expert guide to biodynamic farming and gardening. In this revised and updated edition of Grasp the Nettle Peter Proctor tells the reader how to apply biodynamic methods of farming and gardening to a wide range of conditions in New Zealand and in other countries. The book provides practical observations and techniques, and relates these to the spiritual scientific knowlege upon which that biodynamic practice is based. Peter gives tips on how to recognise healthy soil and pasture, and on how to make your own biodynamic preparations. He also gives examples of farms that are successfully using biodynamic methods. This book aims to assist biodynamic farmers and gardeners to observe the processes of life and growth, and to understand how these processes are governed by cosmic forces, so they can use this knowlege in applying their practical skills. Peter Proctor, past national field advisor for the NZ Bio Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association, now teaches and advises farmers on biodynamic methods around the world.

Steiner's original contribution to human knowledge was based on his ability to conduct 'spiritual research', the investigation of metaphysical dimensions of existence. With his scientific and philosophical training, he brought a new systematic discipline to the field, allowing for conscious methods and comprehensive results. A natural seer from childhood, he cultivated his spiritual vision to a high degree, enabling him to speak with authority on previously veiled mysteries of life. The evolving human being; Cosmos as the source of life; Plants and the living earth; Farms and the realms of nature; Bringing the chemical elements to life; Soil and the world of spirit; Supporting and regulating life processes; Spirits of the elements; Nutrition and vitality; Responsibility for the future.