We're new to permaculture and are really enjoying learning about it, trying to convert our small plot of land into our own heaven.
In 2012 we barely got snow in MN; however, 2013 we had snow storms all the way up to May. So you can imagine the water saturation we had.
We live on a hill and all that snow melt went into and around our home. Luckily the damage wasn't enormous, but we've decided to implement some of the technics used in permaculture to prevent future damage.
We had two small swells and a small 13 x 20 whole dug up. Being this is our first attempt and that we literally live on top of sand, we weren't able to dig the first pond in layers. It turned out to be a cone shape hole. Nonetheless, we committed to making it work.
This picture was taken in March of this year. You can clearly see the water saturated ground freezing our truck tires into the ground
Fast forward to June, and this is what we ended up with. See the slope behind the pond, and next to the house we have two swells. One to catch the water from the side of the hill. And one extending further back to catch water from the slope in the back.
Here is a picture more at ground level that you can see the height of the surrounding hill.
The excavator left a small median between the swells. Not sure the exact reasoning, but we've convinced ourselves to be useful and are rolling with it for now.
From the side of the house where the water collected this winter, you can sort of see the two swells that are now feeding the pond.
This is what I'll post for now. It is a bit late and need to get some other things done before heading to bed.
Just like to add that part of the reason for me posting this personal project is because where I live I am getting lot of push back from my surrounding neighbors.
We do live in a residential area, and the majority of them just can't get enough of their golf course lawns. I feel like we've experienced harassment, but I won't go there yet.
Like I said, I plan to use this as a form or documenting our progress and can't wait to complete it and be able to share with everyone here.