I like the idea of scientific neglect - purposeful neglect. It's a bit like Terry Pratchett's conclusion in Equal rites where the two main characters end up exploring the concept of "not doing magic". We can do stuff, but it is much more powerful not doing things and seeing where nature leads us!
I'm contemplating using stick drains in my new polytunnel to distribute water underground. The idea is that the water from rainfull outside will be collected along the edge of the tunnel and directed under the plastic into the centre of the tunnel from the left hand side in this view.
new polytunnel under construction
My husband has been topping the spruce trees that are a bit close to the house, so we now have a fairly large quantity of green trimmings that are not much use for burning. I have used them in the past to mulch my blueberries, but they are not my favourite mulch material as they probably need to be used in a uch thck layer to be effective for weed suppression.
What I'm wondering is could I use this material as a sheet layer in between and unde the stick drains to distribute and hold water under the soil in my tunnel? Will it end up an anaerobic layer of yuck (and does that matter), or will it be a good way of using the spruce trimmings? I attach a sketch with cross sections. The soil depth is likely to be only 18 inches or so, and at present the rainfall drains away pretty quickly.
Blake Lenoir wrote: Are there any plants in this modern time that would pull off the restoration of an historic and ancient European garden today?
Hi Blake - UK seed and plant sources I would suggest are Thomas Etty and Pennard plants - also good as sources of information, as many of the varieties may well be available in the US as well. Thomas Etty publishes a vegetable timeline (presumably for UK) which, if you haven't already seen it you may find interesting
Thanks for finding that! It's hard to believe you can get such a nice article by playing mud pies! I wonder if I have enough clay for them to work with my soil?
I agree with Carla - you're doing great! The only thing I would add is that you need to find the level of simplicity that works for what you are trying to illustrate. The size and diversity of the plants and leaves, the direction of the sun, the way they cling to a structure, or whatever. I found this website by Erin Lau which you may find interesting on drawiing gardens for a colouring book.
I would suggest that it is also nice to include some element that adds the observer - a bucket or a pair of gloves for example, and nature - a bug or a bird.
Some might call it contemplation - how about observation?! Also, while raining may not be the obvious time to get a shovel and start digging, if water management (thinking paddy fields) is important, then that actually sounds like an excellent time to be making garden beds. I do like your aerial view of the bananas!
I like to think about things and make lots of fantasy gardens on paper....Most of them do come about eventually, unless the location is taken over by another idea.
A graduate scientist turned automotive engineer, currently running a small shop and growing plants on Skye: turning a sheep field into a food forest.
