There are many differences gardening here at WinSol3 given the altitude, climate and surrounding national forest. At 4500+ feet, with heavy winter snows and scorching summer heat along with ravenous wild animals – it’s been a challenge. Over the past 30+ years, I have learned a few things – just a few. There is a lifetime of learning left, and that won’t even scratch the surface of nature’s delicate complex weave.
The most important design and operational element at WinSol3 is water. Rainwater harvesting was the reason for the huge roof and much of the site layout for gravity water feed year-round. Each week of gardening at WinSol3 is preoccupied with collecting, saving, and reusing water. It's a precious resource without which most vegetation would die in the hot summer months. In priority there are the roof + ground rainwater collection systems, cisterns + uphill storage tanks, the grease trap and GHS pond, drip systems and automatic timers.
Then there are the plants, flowers, shrubs + trees, and a tiny courtyard lawn area (a real luxury!). Over the years I’ve grown quite fond of lavenders, blackberries, yarrow, sage, and their multitude of uses and adaptability to WinSol3’s location. Once established they hardly need any water or care. Every 2-3 years I split them up and replant them in other areas. I love harvesting the lavender each autumn, and find its aroma more soothing than red cedar tree branches. Now, if i can figure out how to control blackberry brambles....
Current update (1/30/11) @ WinSol3
From 65F summer days in the ‘dead’ of winter to a one-day snow ‘event’. The artic trough slipped down for a 24 hour visitation. Last nite the howling wind swept rains turned ominously quiet as the whipping rain pellets turned to gentle, heavy snowflakes. There’s supposed to be about 5” of snow today and then get right back to warming up again with clear days. So at 8am with 5” already on the ground, another 8+ hours predicted, I moved my car up to the access road – just in case… lesson learned from too many mis-steps and snow shoveling On Tuesday when I need to go to town, I’ll probably laugh at all the melted snow and clear roads.
There were countless bulbs, rose + tree buds getting a sneak peek at spring – I’m sure this artic event will put quite a damper on their spring break.
Last 2 weeks (Jan 15-30) progress report:
Work continues on the GHS pond, with the large flat area river rocks being embedded in cement. The 5th step (each step has 180 lbs, 3 bags of hi-strength concrete) down the east side of the GHS was poured. The blackberry brambles were burned and the entire fence north of the GHS has been taken out. I installed a deer proof gate on the west side of the garden area. The mudroom was totally emptied, cleaned-out and the walls were insulated and dry-walled. Deep shelves were put in, the cast iron mudroom sink was relocated. I started blazing a new path out from the high car parking area to the NFS road. The hot water shower is working beautifully. I put in a very functional sitting bench in the bathroom. I’m also cleaning out a LOT of old papers and magazines and mostly doing hi-heat burning and spreading the ashes on the garden. Bio char production in the fire pit happens about once a week. Oh yeah, moved the big green tank down below and piped it to the top cistern overflow and it started filling with yesterday's storm.
This spring WinSol3 will really have a celebration of bloom and delight! I can't wait!
No comments:
Post a Comment