Grimm Acres, Permaculture
A system based on working with nature rather than against it, maximizing the symbiotic relationship between plants, companion plants, and animals respecting the interconnectedness of all the components, including me.
I believe nature abhors a massive, neatly clipped, evenly green, monoculture lawn.
When I open my front door I am greeted by chickens, ducks, a huge rose bush, butterflies at the butterfly bush and crepe myrtle, Egyptian walking onions, squash vines, strawberry plants and several beds readied for fruit trees, horse radish, and vegetables to be planted later in September.
I see it like an edible landscape scene painted by the late Thomas Kinkaid. My husband sees it like the yard of the crazy old woman next door. Either way, no one would accuse me of maintaining a large expanse of lawn.
In fact, what passes for 'grass' in my yard is a mix of white clover, some kind of native green tiny leafed plant, some grasses, dandelions, broad leaf plantain, and a few other unidentified species that tolerate being cut back to about 4 inches (the highest setting my mower will go to).
My interpretation of permaculture principles here at Grimm Acres, Diversified includes:
- Implementing measures to capture and maximize the usefulness of rainfall and runoff.
- Using local native species for food and as feed for poultry and livestock.
- Inter-planting Plant Guilds throughout the farm.
- Using poultry and livestock to trim/mow, and to control "bugs".
- Making the landscape a part of our home, extending our living spaces into the yard and creating areas that are calming and nurturing to the human spirit.
As I work to update this site, I will elaborate on each of those principles with pictures from the farm.
