Hi all,
Could I trouble you for your opinions? I've been watching Paul's excellent
World Domination videos. They have been oodles of help, but now I'm conflicted as where to place a little bitty
pond.
The site: Northern Idaho (short growing season) on a large hill that slopes off gradually to the south. I plan to build the squiggly hugelbeds on the top of the hill. The predominant winds are from the SW. Subsoil is heavy clay -- good for holding
water. But we only get about 25" a year-- so I'm accepting this particular pond will dry out in summer.
My goal: to have a place in this garden that stays warms spring and fall to extend the planting season.
My idea: put a little pond in (maybe a pit?) on the southern slope of the hill, with a hugelbed just behind it (ie.just to the north and just uphill of the pond/pit). I was thinking the bed could be a giant sun trap shape. I thought the southern exposure was a good idea for warmth. That means... on contour.
I've heard Paul say several times now, don't put ponds on contour in areas of short growing seasons. It will just become a frost pocket.
So if my original idea is a bad idea, my second thought is: Move the pond/pit up to the top of the hill nestled inside the squiggly hugelbeds. At the top of the hill it will receive no rain run-off, so it will be limited to the 25" of rain/year. No southern exposure. But it will have better wind protection compared to the pond on the southern slope.
If your goal was to have a warmish bed for spring and fall, what would you do?
Thanks for your time and help. I appreciate both.
Caroline
