New to Permies, Richmond, VA

Hi Permies!

I just discovered this forum last week. Not sure how it escaped me for so long, as I have been watching Youtube videos and reading articles about PC for close to five years, although much more intensively in the last year and a half.

I have lived in Oakland, CA; Boise, ID; Portland, OR, and as of 3 years ago I moved to Virginia. I bought a house in Richmond, VA in April of this year (2022). I am in the process of converting my monoculture grass wasteland into luxurious abundance.
My roomie isn't particularly interested in any yard projects, and I don't have a lot of friends here, (thanks COVID!)

I'm basically doing it all myself.  That is the hardest part. I have a very intense full time job, and a very flexible part time job. I mention this because I feel like I need to restrict my design to something that I can manage myself, and not require any significant daily attention (i.e. Chickens)

This summer I put in a Hugel-ish raised bed, and plan to do more of those. I surveyed my yard to confirm what my eyes and feet told me about the contours, so that validates my future crop bed plans. I also have planted some fruit and non-fruit trees. I've also put in a handful of native flowers and shrubs which hopefully will fill out my zone 4/5 border(the fence line). I would like to get some rainwater harvesting going, but it seems cost prohibitive to me at the moment.

Whenever I lose momentum on a project I tell myself, "It's okay. I'm just observing!"

Brent, welcome to Permies!

Thanks for introducing yourself, your intentions, and your projects.  This sounds like the beginning of a wonderful journey.  

The University of Richmond has one of the country's few college credit permaculture courses, right?  You may be a in a great area to connect with others.

On another track...if I were in VA, I would love to visit Polyface Farms... Oh my! Check them out online if you aren't already familiar with Joel Salatin's work.

The best of luck on your garden transformation.  Any pictures you can share?  People on Permies love to see those.  (Project pictures are also a great way to get apples thrown at you... in the good way.)

I love what you said here, and how you said it.  That's a great wisdom statement there!

Brent Bowden wrote:

Whenever I lose momentum on a project I tell myself, "It's okay. I'm just observing!"

Here's some pics, as suggested!

Hi Brent,
Welcome to Permies and thanks for the pictures! "Grape expectations"  I love it! That's also not just a random yard pic, that's a picture of a washing line set up!

Yes, it is a washing line!  I will probably move the posts, as they are now in the shade of some messy trees.

Nancy Reading wrote:Hi Brent,
Welcome to Permies and thanks for the pictures! "Grape expectations"  I love it! That's also not just a random yard pic, that's a picture of a washing line set up!

Those are the best clothesline poles. I had rarely ever seen those in Oregon, even viewing many hundreds of homes. Then we moved to the desert SW. In the more affordable towns in the desert, especially in older homes, those are in many backyards. Or you will find where they once were often after they have been cut flat and just a circle of metal stuck in some concrete remains, partially covered with sand.

That first year in the desert, I learned why those clothesline T-poles are so great and popular - the high winds of the desert! Other types break in the wind if you leave sheets or big items on them.

That's definitely one of those items that used to be made to last!

Great garden beginnings and photos, and my husband and I cracked up at your "dirt wrench". :-D

Welcome to the forums!

There are many a deep permarabbit holes to go down here. Some of the oldest threads are the some of the most interesting. I recommend looking at the "similar threads" at the bottom of any post on a topic that really grabs your attention. Chances are there will be other posts in the same vein.

I love your humor as well! Grape Expectations indeed! And dirt wrench is going to become part of my active vocabulary from now on.

I used to live a few hours from Richmond, closer to the mountains, but I went through ye olde capital more than a few times. Honestly can't say it's my favorite place in Virginia, but it has its upsides. I hope you make the most of it!

A little video tour!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0LABXPw783MRThjqvQyNwetNCQToFxMchXEsRJqZSW1Dt2gC66FSNSSHUpo6quQQVl&id=1498304331&mibextid=Nif5oz

love the pictures you posted Brent! i have a son named Beauden-( pronounced bow den). Its a good name:)