One of the most important principles of Permaculture is observation. When I read about trees and plants changing the ecosystem of a yard, it’s hard to visualize, so physical observation is really necessary. I can see where the sun hits at different times of the year, and what structures heat up even in the winter temperatures. In winter how the wind blows is more evident by the higher snow piles and drifts that were at least a foot deeper than the front of the house, and with the melting – how water moves across the yard, and is mostly captured to stay and be absorbed in the places we will need it. As the fruit trees, vines and perennial plants grow – the garden will continue to change. Every year it will be different, and where we plant annuals may change. This year, we still have a bit of foundational work to do, building up beds and installing trees and plants. And every year there will be the vegetable garden. The bulk of what we will have eventually will be perennial and only the beds will be planted. But all of this takes time…and spring is in the front yard.
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| The back garden looked like this on Sunday |
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| Spring was in the front yard…trying anyway
Here is a good comparison of the size of the fruit trees when we bought them last year. We replaced the Meyer Lemon and it is on the windowsill – the potted fruit trees are only a year old and have been repotted twice. They love this sunny window!  |
Two new blueberries waiting for the ground to thaw
We also have a Paw-paw Tree to plant as the last of the higher story of the garden and we are waiting for several new grape vines, a couple Concord and three new varieties.
There are rumors that the next few days will be in the 50’s and I hope it’s true.
There is so much to do and I can’t wait to get outside and begin!
Yes spring is in the air! Our weekend is suppose to be warmer with some sun and a little rain so I hope to get outside and check the garden. I already know the resident bunny has feasted on a few plants…grrr! We have to do some serious rabbit-proofing this year as well as replace the steps at the side of the house. There's always something to do around the house, isn't there?