Dale's series of farm improvement projects --- Berm building and enhancment

The property already has some berms. At one point I had considered flattening some. Randy, my tenant with the excavator pointed out recently that some look hand dug. He thinks that they were made by Chinese laborers over 100 years ago when the railway was built. A machine would toss the material further and not heap it so steeply. So, I've decided to keep them and work the berms into the landscape plan.

More later.

I can't find berm photos.

My berms occupy land that is back from the view of the valley. I want it to be view property, so a path will run along the upper ridge.

This berm protects a campground from strong ocean winds. The top has become a walkway. Picture fruit trees and vegetable crops and a view of the valley instead of tidal flats.

Slopes present many possibilities. Figs and pomegranates will be tried in the hotter spots. Leafy things will cover north slopes.

Slopes present many possibilities. Figs and pomegranates will be tried in the hotter spots. Leafy things will cover north slopes.

I found some pictures of my own berms.

Hi Dale:

Will you be able to have walking paths like that on your berms? Looks pretty impressive.

How did your plantings stand up to deer predation?

We still have a forestry fire closure here and hence no chip or mulch to be had unless you bring it from off island, but hopefully some availability in next couple of months!

Edith

Hi Edith. Yes, I will put a ridge path along my berms. Some will be widened to accommodate small bodies of water. My best views are visible from the berms. I expect that a hike along them will include checking on water levels and irrigation needs.

Deer were not much of a problem. We have lots of dogs who walk the public trail and who live nearby. A bear sometimes visits a very sheltered area by the bog. Deer problems are much more prevalent in the heart of the city.