I spent the first half of the week researching the Permaculture framework and identifying what I could see for my wildlife-inclusive garden.
The cycles of the Permaculture are as follow
One crucial thing to remember is that Permaculture uses cycle structure instead of linear. Under this cycle structure, we can continue to reflect, modify, and implement as we practice.
Starting from Observation cycle: site survey
This week, my job was to observe several elements in my backyard:
- Sunlight exposure: I need to find out where the yard face. Is it facing North? Is it facing South? It is essential because different plants require different hours of sunlight exposure for optimum growth.
- I noticed that the my backyard is Southeast facing!
- Observe what types of birds have been visiting the bird feeders. I need to collect the data. This data is extremely useful when Spring comes. Thus, I will know what types of plants I should consider by starting my research now.
- Note followed with the current observation of types of birds
- Observe what types of plants and trees are currently in my backyard.
- Note followed with the current observation of types of trees and plants
- Look at the possible animal droppings in the yard. During the Summer and early Fall, I frequently spotted deer droppings in my backyard. I wonder if they have been coming in during the Winter for possible food. I did not find any new droppings
- Observe the grass that is currently under the fallen leaves and snow.
After the site survey, I locate two spots that I think it will work.
Analysis and Decision Cycle:
After spending 3 days observing and collecting data. I analysis the data and decide to pick the comer of the abandoned yard.
Reasons as follow:
- The area behind the fence is an abandoned area. There are only trees and grass. There has been no human activities I have noticed. The only possible activity was the neighbor’s landlord would mowed the lawn during the Summer time. The rest of the year, that area has been neglected. I believe that this will help to achieve my idea because the wild animals can enter into my garden from that area.
- I located two nests on two different trees. Not sure if they are active or dead. I will need to continue to monitor these two nests
- Because it is an abandoned area, I allowed the wild black berries brushes to grow here last Summer. Initially, I planned to clean off that area for growing vegetables; however, it never happened. Thus, the wild black berries brushes have been taking hold of this area. Last Summer, I saw that white-tail deer, groundhogs, raccoons, birds, skunks, and possums visited that area. There were plenty of wild berries for them. I also tried some and they were sweet and juicy.
- There is a big Mulberry tree which produces plenty of berries. Last Summer, I saw deer droppings on the ground under the Mulberry tree. Thus, I know that deer have been eating the berries.
- Against the fence is a pile of old twigs and branches from variety of trees in the yard. I have been pilled them up at this location since Last Fall. I have noticed a walking path under this pile of branches and twigs. I do not know who has been staying under there. 🙁
- Types of trees:
- there is a maple tree
- a winterberry brush
- a pine tree
- Types of birds at the bird feeder (this week, I will continue to update as I see new birds)
- a pair of Northern cardinal (male and female pair)
- Blue Jays
- a pair of Red-bellied Woodpecker (male and female pair)
- House Sparrows
- White-breasted Nuthatches
- Dark-eyed Junco
These are the materials that I have gather this week.
Next week is to design the Garden
- mapping out all elements in that corner
- mapping out what I need to provide the current wild creatures that are frequent visitors