Ponds provide moisture for the vegetation.


other to produce fabulous crops. The bees and insects had a banquet with so many varieties to choose from. No monoculture on these farms. Instead of long straight rows of the same crop, mix it up! Learn what grows well together and take advantage of nitro- gen fixing plants such as legumes. Water management. At both places,


a series of ponds and streams mean- dered through the properties, collect- ing water and providing moisture for the vegetation. In some, crayfish were raised and sold. Others had varieties of fish. Because they were interconnected and continually flowing, the water


Calendula for making tea.


was purified. A system of pipes was used to control water levels in each of the ponds. At Krameterhof, when the water reached the bottom of the moun- tain, it powered a small hydro genera- tor before it flowed into the stream in the valley. The group was taught to look for


wet spots, indicating a spring or underground stream and capitalize on this. Perhaps there is a wet spot in the backyard that could be turned into a pond, bog garden or even better a crater garden. Crater gardens are dug in wet spots and the terraces up the sides are planted with plants that


Branches are laden with apples.


have varying water needs. Those that need little water are planted on the top. Large rocks are placed in the garden to absorb the sun’s rays and hold the heat creating a micro climate and extend- ing the season. This can be easily done in most yards that have a wet spot or where the water table is high. With a few changes, most gardens


can become more sustainable, reduc- ing the need for fertilizers, water and work. When seen in action, the perma- culture techniques demonstrated at these sites made so much sense, it made you wonder, why not try them in your own backyard? s


Bee and pollinator hotels of every size and description appeared throughout the properties.(We'll show you how to make one next issue!) localgardener.net


Spring 2016 • 13


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