Gift guide for living architecture lovers - 2013 edition

I did one of these last year and it seemed to be a hit! This year's I won't wait until December 23 before posting it, however...

-For anyone on your list, we'll start with this aquaponic system from Back to the Roots. They were just "the mushroom guys", now they are so much more.

-Supporting a small farmer is always a good thing, right? For the fruit lover in your life give a call to one of these apple orchards and see where you can pick up their heritage apples...or they may even deliver them to your door.

-A very easy, and attractive, living wall kit is perfect for any do-it-yourselfer.

-How about funding an experience? The Growing Power workshops are fantastic and reasonably priced. Send a friend or family member to learn and network!

A profitable aquaponics business?

Lots of big stories from the past week...

-A cool and potentially huge story is developing in Tampa. One man's vision to create an Urban Food Park now has the backing of an entire community. The hope is for a national model showcasing exhibits ranging from a commercial urban vegetable farm and food museum to an aquaponic farm and food cooperative. Definitely one to keep track of!

-Systematic urban agriculture changes might be on tap for Rotterdam as well, by utilizing a former “tropical swim paradise” as the project hub.

-The latest successful warm weather aquaponics project to receive buzz belongs to American Samoa, however this aquaponics business in Chicago seems to take the cake. They've stayed afloat for three years and now have raised $300,000 for expansion.

-You can't blame these folks for trying. A couple in New Jersey set up a crowdfunding campaign to add a green roof to their primary residence.

Urban Agriculture internship opportunity in Toronto

Year-long Metcalf Sustainability Internships are available for placement in Foodshare's Urban Agriculture program. For recent graduates only, applications must be sent to FoodShare (c/o Angela ElzingaCheng angela@foodshare.net) by December 17, 2013.

Small scale permaculture farm in Houston

Straight from the digital realm is a  45 minute plus visit to a 1/4 permaculture farm in Houston, Texas. Over 150 fruit trees on this tiny parcel of land!

A few quick hits

-After a few years China's green wall has finally been planted!

-If you're looking for some creatives ideas for green walls a recent green walls article highlights some very creative installations.

-There has been further fallout from the tragedy in Latvia as the prime minister has resigned!

-I often do book reviews (and maybe I should do another one some time soon), but over at Greenroofs.com they profiled the new book by Tan Puay Yok. It looks like it's worth the read.