OUTSIDE GARDENS AT OUR TINY HOMESTEAD
Turning Lawns into Edible Gardens
When we bought our house in 2005, it was mostly trees and lawn. Every year we've removed a section of the lawn and replaced it with garden. Following permaculture principles, we grow useful plants that create habitat for wildlife, provide food and medicine, and nourish us with their beauty.
Below are some before and after pictures of some of our gardens and outdoor living spaces.
We'll be adding details about how we built each one.
Below are some before and after pictures of some of our gardens and outdoor living spaces.
We'll be adding details about how we built each one.
Front Yard Garden for Bees, Birds & Butterflies:
Before
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After, 2012
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Bear's Rock Garden on Berm (with plants, not just rocks):
First planting, 2007. Notice that the rest of the side yard is grass.
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Rock Garden & side yard, 2012
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Rain Garden (catching water from the roof):
Rain garden being added in grassy area, 2009
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After, 2009
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Celtic Cross Garden (for food production):
Click to see more.
Before, 2008
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After, 2010
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Wildlife Pond:
Click to see instructions on building and maintaining a wildlife pond.
Before, 2012
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After, 2012
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Patio (for human grilling & dining):
Removing the grass, 2008
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After, 2008
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Catio (a patio our cats can access through a window):
Click to see How We Built Our Catio
Before, 2010
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Catio after three years, 2013
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Labyrinth (an ancient method of walking meditation):
Before, 2009
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After, 2010
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Sun Garden (for food production):
Building arch with tree limbs, 2006
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Vegetable garden, 2014
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Spring Native Shade Garden (first to bloom in Spring):
Plantings from previous owners, 2006
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Plantings, 2014
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