Thursday, March 31, 2011

The start of a 4-day weekend...

...and what better way to spend it than starting a veggie garden!  The backyard is a blank slate, and a very overgrown and messy one at that.  So, first order of business is tackling the mound of cuttings Bonnie and I created last weekend. 


Our bounty beds will be situated in this sun-kissed corner.  We're thinking a series of 4X4 beds placed in an "L" shape leaving 2-foot spacings in between, with fruit trees along the back fence.  Still thinking about that keyhole concept.  Oh, the possibilities!

Some other befores, as we embark on our plot improvement projects...


    
   Left to right in the backyard.  Even the border beds are full of grass, weeds, and a few persistent blackberry vines. 


Not sure what was the idea behind this.  For now, we've got several inches of bark dust held in by existing scallop concrete borders in an attempt to keep down the mud.  My plan is to eventually unearth these stones (to be put to good use as garden borders elsewhere), dig out and level the whole area, and put in a paver patio and walkways where the traffic is heaviest.  The new patio will be home to a small sitting or eating area.


         
This little pathway catches a good amount of water during our deluges.  I'm thinking to fill that depression with the lava rock and pavers from the strip out front...another redesign formulating.

Can't wait to see what beauty rises from our little piece of heaven that has been long neglected prior to our arrival.  The bones are good.  Thankfully, the fence is intact and in decent shape. 

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Simpler, natural living

In the last couple of years, I have become increasingly obsessed with the idea of building and living in a small, sustainable home using as much natural material as possible.  I love the creative possibilities...love the whimsy...love the idea of simpler, more cozy living.  My better half has not bought into the idea as of yet...I'm a-workin' on improving his perception.  Perhaps our most recent electric bill will assist in paving the road that will lead us away from those monopolies that have such a stronghold on our pocketbook. 

For some time, I've entertained the assortment of possibilities featured by Tiny House Blog.  This morning's delight was to stumble upon the website Natural Homes.  And, so my dream grows.  Wouldn't it be lovely to build a village full of unique sustainable homes?  With an active commmunity center, also sustainable?  To be a part of such an opportunity...incredible.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Bleary-eyed Musings

Sometimes in the wee hours, sleep evasion gives way to creative exploration.  Such was the case in the still-dark hours when I came across a design image of a keyhole garden.  My intrigued quest unearthed a method and design used in third world drought-stricken areas that allow families sustainability in spite of their rugged conditions. 






The ingenious marriage of raised gardening with integrated composting offers solutions to challenges so many gardeners face.  I am excitedly planning my own keyhole garden perfectly suited for the one spot of sun in our modest back yard! 

Love the design, although I'd add the compost feature in place of the center opening.

Another design option using easily accessible materials.
For ideas on building keyhole beds...