I have been learning about permaculture principles and have used some of them in my small yard.

Specifically, last year, I didn’t do anything to the yard (no watering, no/little mowing etc) and made some notes what happened. I expected the grass to die, weeds to take over, maybe have some issues with the tulip patch or rose bushes. To my surprise, everything survived including the grass.

This year, I have added a few raised garden beds to the concrete pad I have. I’ve planted a mixture of herbs, blackberries, strawberries, tomatoes, and pollinator plants/flowers. As with last year, this year includes notes on what is growing well, what isn’t, the effects of my water schedule and so on.

I have a few experiments going on. I am using Marigolds as a trap plant. Also, I am seeing the effects of different shade/sun on various herbs like basil. Finally, I am letting my cilantro and other herbs go to seed (yum coriander).

Next wet season, I would like to try manipulating water. I’d like to having gutters running along my fence strategically watering my blackberry plants below. Additionally, I would like to ramp up water collection and explore drip irrigation.

I’d also like to use explore using grass clippings as mulching material (maybe use a weed whacker rather than mower to ‘harvest’ the grass).

Finally, I’d like to plant an additional fruit/nut tree for yield and vines to enhance privacy.