Niall and Katie Robinson live on a residential street that is steadily being taken over by colorful vegetables.
One might think that Niall Robinson has an aversion to mowing his lawn, but the Boyd Drive couple is actually planning and laboring to grow more of their own food.
They are not yet at the "sustainable" level, but their side yard that includes tomatoes, cantaloupe, cabbage, beets and kale suggests that they making progress in the quest to become more self-sufficient.
"We start with the seeds, use natural fertilizer, grow some things through the winter, if possible, and then can them or bring them right to the table," said Robinson, a mechanical engineer in Boston.
"There's a significant movement, which started in Ireland, that encourages the development of our own food and using less energy. We believe in that."
The Robinsons are part of a local organization known as Transition Newburyport. It is loosely knit group with about 450 members from throughout Essex County and Southern New Hampshire.
Transition emerged in Kinsale, Ireland, in 2005, spread rapidly across the United Kingdom and is now active in 14 countries, including 21 initiatives in the U.S.
The group is focused on national bio-intensive challenges that include reacting to climate change, finding alternatives to fossil fuels, and ensuring an adequate supply of food and water. Those in the group call this the "transition journey."
It started here in spring of 2009, and national leaders have identified this city as creating the first transition initiative in Massachusetts.
Local founders include John Brown, Elizabeth Marcus, Ben Twombly and Robinson.
The group is hosting an open house at the Robinsons' home on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. to introduce others to sustainable growing.
Elizabeth Marcus, a co-founder, recalls that after her car expired, she decided to put a raised bed for growing vegetables in the driveway rather than replacing the vehicle.
What she lost in auto-repair bills, she gained in a bumper crop of squash.
"I think people are concerned about the quality of food produced by industrial growers and are looking to buy from local farms or grow it themselves," said Marcus, who is retired from the National Park Service.
"If you grow your own food, or some of it, you can know there are no pesticides and that it is more nutritious."
Members of the organization who can't grow all their own food attempt to buy from local farms.
The Robinsons, in addition to growing food, are also working to capture water. They have placed three large basins on top of the back porch.
In addition to providing water for the garden, it offers hygienic benefits.
"We've created a wonderful outdoor shower," said Katie Robinson. "It's perfect for summer."
The Robinsons' garden offers educational opportunities, as well as epicurean returns.
Brendan Robinson, 6, recently saw a strange growth on one of the plants and called his father. Then, Brendan ran into the house and got a magnifying glass.
Together, they determined this "growth" was a slug, and they agreed it was a threat to the plant.
"Brendan was very proud to have discovered the slug and took in the information about it," Robinson said. "But I don't think he liked the squishing part.
"Still, this is a real learning experience. I think we are all benefiting."
More information about the open house can be obtained by calling Marcus at 978-462-1308 or by consulting www.transitionnewburyport.org.
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