Today, Brian and I made some serious progress. At Charlie’s suggestion, we went with Betsy to the Resource Yard, a source for “reclaimed,” affordable building materials (http://www.resourceyard.org/abtboulder.php). In order to maximize our space and fit as many veggies as possible, we’re planning on building some levels against the walls of our deck. As you can see in the picture to the right, if we’re not creative our deck walls will block crucial sunlight.We’ll be able to make better use of the space right against the wall (since the wall makes this space too shady) by bringing those plants up closer to the angle of the sun.
While this is a space saving technique, I’ve also read about it as type of permaculture design. Edges and layers are valuable in permaculture as they create unique ecosystems with synergistic effects which might not occur otherwise. The tallest plant in a layered edge may provide wind protection to smaller, more fragile plants. Edge plants might also serve as first defense against feeding insects. “An ecological garden has many layers, from a low herb layer through shrubs and small trees to the large overstory…Together the layers provide diverse habitat, many products and plenty of visual interest,” says Toby Hemenway in his book Gaia’s Garden.
As a cheap and easy way to build layers, we decided on 2 X 10 pieces of wood balanced on cinder blocks. Everything for one wall’s “2nd story” cost us $13 bucks for reused material at the Resource Yard.
We decided to start small and see how this project turned out…
We’ll replicate the process on the east and west side of the deck (the south side is seen in these pictures).
Still doesn’t look like a garden, but some signs of progress nonetheless!
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