mishkin Hatfield

Burra Maluca wrote:

But, like Ludi, I had problems.  I live in a genuine mediterranean climate, and the genuine mediterranean herbs which thrive so well in other people's herb spirals really don't like being stuck high and dry on a raised mound.  Lavender might love it at the top of someone else's herb spiral, but my lavender prefers to live at ground level where it copes perfectly well with the heat and drought. I haven't found *anything* that will live raised up very far.  So my sprial is now reduced to a heap of stones awaiting further inspiration...   

Thank you for this!  I was just on the point of embarking on a couple herb spiral construction but like you, I have a very dry mediterranean climate  ( I am in the South-West of France).  I think I might still make a spiral but not raised I just love the look of them!

Thanks permies, this is fascinating and very useful indeed! John, I think you are absolutely right and do intend to try the scattering method any recommendations as to some companions?  Would they work in an orchard ? 

Hello, I am quite new at permaculture and I was wondering what is the take on potatoes.  Do they have to be moved every year and do you have to get new potato seeds every year, like in traditional gardening?

Thank you Permaguy, that is most enlightening! How are you doing with your plan, are using raised beds?  We have  a couple of hectares of oaks caussenard which I am reluctant to touch for fuel yet, as the previous owner did some intensive cutting and some parts of our land look rather grim but tons of dry wood lying around for his deforestation. 

Hello everyone, I am in the South-West too, in the Causse du Quercy, an hour east of Toulouse.  We bought our house 2 years ago and after 2 rather useless attempt at conventional vegetable gardening ( tons of toamtoes and potatoes, everything else died eaten mostly by the crickets), we have decided to go the permie's way.  So in the process of designing right now, forest garden? key hole garden? What would you suggest knowing that
being on the Causse, the soil is lime and arid,  when there is some.  We're thinking raised beds (got tones of stones) and a glass house ( plateau means a lot of wind so polytunnel is out). 
Any thoughts are welcome!