It is spring and most of the snow has melted off the terraces. It is amazing to see them revealed after several months of snow as you can see below. I’ve ordered all the vegetable and herb seeds as well as the fruit trees – so there’ll be a massive transformation in the coming month or two.
Here’s a description of what is going to be happening with the next phase of the terraced garden:
The medicine and food growing terraces nestle into a south-east facing hillside. Stone walls, paths and steel raised beds will help retain heat and extend the growing season. Medicinal and culinary herbs at the lower level are closest to the kitchen – expediting harvest when cooking. These plants often have little appeal to deer and other browsers and it is hoped that their astringent taste would discourage any further exploration of the garden. The second terrace is the primary vegetable growing area with annual edibles, and an apricot tree planted near the former barn foundation wall. The third terrace hosts the berry canes and the gathering area. The tall wall behind the berry canes can secure netting to drape over the plants when berries are ripe and appealing to birds. The hillside provides a natural windbreak and a clear transition between intensely managed vegetable gardens and the minimally managed meadow beyond. Within this area, fruit and nut bearing trees and shrubs are interspersed with native plants to illustrate the diversity of plant life within an ecotone – or transition zone between ecosystems.
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| this winter with maximum snow |
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| section of plantings in terrace garden |