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Organic Shiitake Mushroom Farm in Sandy, Ore
In the photograph above, a Shiitake mushroom grows on an Alder log taken at The Fungi Farm. The Fungi Farm, an hour east of Portland, sells and ships natural, organic Shiitake mushroom logs to be fruited and harvested at home. Tony Synarski and Bobbie Mohler, the proprietors, have shipped their logs all over the country to a growing number of Shiitake mushroom enthusiasts. The logs are also popular in elementary classrooms for educating students in biology.
Shiitakes can be eaten
fresh, sauteed in butter or oil, or dried and eaten like chips. They
have a strong umami flavor (the fifth taste sense) and are high in Vitamin D, which makes them
popular with vegetarians.
In Japan, many believe Shiitake mushrooms contain medicinal properties
that help fight cancer and lower cholesterol.
Tony and Bobbie say that anyone
can grow Shiitake mushrooms with the help of their logs, so long as they have a cool, 60-65 degree corner of a room with no direct sunlight. The smallest log, which sells for under $25, will
grow about 12-15 mushrooms four times a year if maintained properly. Residents in the Portland area may purchase larger logs, place them directly in the garden and enjoy the mushrooms in both the spring and the fall.
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Rob Roy
Sustainable Metal Artist • Portland, Ore
Rob Roy is an artist and sculptor who has been making art out of recycled and discarded objects for more than 15 years. Some of his works are composed entirely of recycled materials, like the pendulums for which he is known, while some are a mix of found objects with off the shelf materials. His studio and metal fabrication business, Recychedelic, is based in Portland, Ore.
In the
photo above, Rob is welding together pieces of leftover stainless
steel which he will then polish sand to create a
dual-tetrahedron. His dual-tetrahedrons are objects of beauty to touch and hold. Besides inventing his own pieces of art, Rob often works on commission to produce tables, bookshelves, cabinets, and headboards from recycled materials, providing his clients with beautiful pieces of functional art as well as a sense of sustainability satisfaction.
Rob's creative work naturally extends into his home. His backyard is filled with works of art and includes a winding concrete sidewalk embedded with shiny trinkets such as earrings, watches, beads, and stones. My gallery of photos taken at Rob's studio and at his home showcases some of his other recycled works. Look for the chair inspired by and using a Dodge hood ornament.
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Shawn's Blog, Green Adventures
Shawn Linehan's photo blog, Portland, Ore
I also have a blog where I report on smaller eco events and relate personal
tales of my eco-adventures, like making my first batch of mead!
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Tony Synarski holding an Alder log ready to be inoculated
Tony Synarkski maintaining proper moisture for the logs
Alder or oak logs inoculated with Shiitake mushroom spores
Rob outside of his studio in
Portland, Ore
Rob's Dual-Tetrahedron
Rob in his backyard with a
pendulum made of
recycled materials
Rob's Fire Pit made out of an old dryer drum |
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