The implementation phase of the permaculture project has finally begun. A new greenhouse has been constructed against the south wall of the main workshed. Gardens that have lain fallow for years are being brought back into production. Hundreds of seedlings line the shelves of both greenhouses. Much work has been done re-organizing materials around the site and sorting through assets.
The design phase has been going on for approximately two years. I began to draw out the first designs in the summer of 2009. As the implementation process proceeds, the design will of course evolve and adjust.
In the greenhouses right now are several varieties of tomato, pepper, cabbage and zucchini. Cucumber, Brussels sprouts, corn, sunflower, oats, Swiss chard, spinach, cauliflower, and several different salad greens are also growing. Potatoes have hilled and onion and leeks have been planted. I created an asparagus bed for the first time which I will feature in an upcoming article.
Next up on the agenda is the chicken house which will be built on the west side of the main workshed. The plan is to have meat birds for this year and possibly some layers to be overwintered at a friend's place. The chickens will have their own little forest and grassy plain areas to range free in.
Some other infrastructure improvements to the property including work on the house and the construction of another storage shed also need to happen over the next couple of months.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the project this summer is going to be the beginnings of the food forest. The pond will be the priority here as well as the establishment of the paths and the planting of some fruit trees and other plants. We will also be doing several trials with different grains to see what does the best here with an eye to a major expansion of this in the future.
It is going to be a very exciting and educational summer for us here and for the readers who follow along on the North of Superior Permaculture blog. Upcoming will be tutorials and feature articles covering all aspects of the project. Come along for the ride!
