A few pictures of my summer projects...

[matt walker]

Well, I've been remiss on updates, and this is going to be a quick picture post because I've got big Rocket Stove plans for today and am itching to get started. But, I took some photos the other day in hopes of showing you guys what I've been up to. I'm planning on making a video to describe what I've done, and also update the garden/hugel/swale videos, but I'll get to those later. In the meantime, here's my friend Eric with an incredible axe throw from a few years ago. We were going for the big round in the center of the wood shed. Sorry for the swearing....



I'm putting that here so you can see what it looked like a couple years ago. Woodshed full of 10 cords or so, tall trees on the hill to the South, no light, dark moldyness everywhere on the back side of the house. Constant wet ground, and a flooded basement due to the moisture.

Here's what's been going on these last few months, and why I haven't been posting much....





















I'm going to have to come do explanations later, but new root cellar, greenhouse, drainage, terraces, swales, etc.

More pics here:

http://s65.photobucket.com/albums/h228/mremine/

[boo]

It all looks awesome Matt.......love that greenhouse! (I'm really, really jealous now)

[pa_friendly_guy]

I was more interested in what looks like it might be the root cellar in the bank behind the green house. Close to the house, handy, but seporate which makes a lot of sense in the design. Any pictures of the building process there Matt?

[matt walker]

Thanks very much. Guy, I appreciate that you can see what I was going for there. Convenient access but decoupled from the warm greenhouse. I have some more pictures of the construction, but not many because I was just working flat out while I had the machine here. I was borrowing it and was never sure if I was going to have it again the next day, so I took very few pictures and just worked my butt off while it was here. It's way too nice outside right now to be in here, so I'll post more later when I upload some more pics, but here's the beginning of the root cellar build.

[Lemicha]

Looks fantastic Matt! I also find it hard to sit on the computer posting etc... when the weather is right and there is plenty to do outside Thanks for sharing!

[missusmlaargh]

I am so jealous of that greenhouse. I need to get me one of those.

What's growing in there?

[matt walker]

Hey there, you! Yep, you need one. It is awesome. As for what's growing, well, it's only like half finished 'cause it got too hot to work in there, so I've got about a dozen or so potted things in there for now. Next year I should have some bigger beds and better layout. But, for now, peppers! Which I'm thrilled about, I've been stuffing 'em with cream cheese and stuff and wrapping them with bacon and putting them on the grill. Which is awesome. Also, some ginger plants, tomatoes, cukes, melons, a lemon tree, a lime tree, uh, what else? Basil, oh uh, ground cherries, which are also awesome. Hmmm, some starts like anise hyssop and rhubarb and stuff that I'm spreading out around the property. Some herbs, summer savory, zataar, marjoram, some shallots, some tomatillos. Huh, that sounds like more than it looks like. Anyway, it's awesome, I'm loving it. Wish I could show it to you guys in person, miss ya.

[missusmlaargh]

That is so rad. We've been talking about making one with the old hoop house frames, just have to figure out where to put it (and cross my fingers the mr. will ever do it, ha). The dream is to have a tropical paradise of edibles and flowers, planted in the ground. This lady needs an oasis.

I miss you too, man. I have been thinking a lot about your property and all the cool projects you are always embarked on over there. I would love to come up and visit again to get inspired.

[pa_friendly_guy]

Well missusmlaargh, you don't have to worry about your Mister building you a Green house, if a man says he is going to do something, he will do it,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,there is no need for you to remind him every 6 months, lol

[missusmlaargh]

Ha!