Just getting started in hugelkultur and permaculture. Working my way through a myriad of books, articles, etc. I'm stymied on how best to lay out my "hills" in the backyard and at the same time making best use of the flow of water from two directions: down the hill from the house to the lower backyard and across the backyard. I've had a few folks indicate swales, and I've studied up, but I guess I'm having trouble putting it all together from more of a systems thinking perspective. Since stumbling across these topics it's like trying to drink from a fire hydrant - and yet, exciting and enjoyable.
It just so happens I have some giant logs (hickory, oak and gum) in the backyard I was going to pay someone to clear - that plan has completely changed. Obviously reading about hugelkultur spurred me right into permaculture. I was wondering if anyone wouldn't mind taking a look at what I'm working with and giving me some layout ideas for starting out? I have some photos below... Some context for the pictures...
The first picture was taken from the backside of the house. It was about 11AM. The sun rises in the direction of the shed.
The second picture was taken from the farthest side of the backyard and shows the good size slope of the yard (note, compacted clay galore on the hill).
The third picture is of the side of the backyard - Lou says hello! Obviously we have soil erosion on either side of the house downslope... pretty nasty.
The last picture is of what happens when seriously major rain hits. The rain drains off to the right and into a creek. We have a creek right beyond our back fence. Once the rain stops and the water sits... it drains in about 3 - 4 hours for the amount you see there. That amount of rainfall happens very rarely here in Midland, GA (Zone 8A).
Any thoughts... ideas... etc. Would be super helpful. Appreciate any input.
