Design with available

I often hear, 'I don't know where to begin' !   This is when observation is key. Take stock of all that is already available to work with, (usually more than you realize) and pair it with goals for the site.

My joy matched my challenges as I launched into a new landscape in 2019. Compacted slope, erosion, precious water running off into the ditch. In typical Permaculture language , the problem became the solution! I set out to transform the dry scrabbling driveway into productive garden beds.

Did I mention compacted? While working almost full time at IAT nursery, my days were limited when  I could really make progress on the Gambier garden site. What I did have access to whenever I was there, was a lot of forest debris.  At the time I did not have a chipper, so layering plenty of cardboard, decomposing branches, wood chips, seaweed and later leaves, the first berm began. The following spring we were rewarded with Morels, springing up all along the edge of the berm. The fun had begun with natural fungal activity and the first step in retaining moisture in the system.