Healing Gardens

Habitat Types Represented: Wooded area?

Student Names: Meghan and Catherine

 I. Overview:

The compost area is located in the southwest corner of the long house. The existing compost structure is in a dilapidated state and over grown by mystery plants (possibly Trailing Blackberry). To the left of the compost site there is Coltsfoot and Comfrey. The ground is slightly uneven and there is evidence of moles. Our site has so much potential! It just needs love and care, which Megan and I are happy to give.

 II. Describing Garden Site: 

1. Map & Size: Our site is estimated to be roughly 22 ft. in length and 12 ft. in width. That means it’s around 260 square ft. *Our map will be posted separately.

2. Shape: Long and narrow. Shaped like a demi circle.

3. Topography: The actual area where the current compost bin resides is uneven and slightly raised. When you consider the site as a whole it is relatively even with one more slope occurring in the far southern corner.

4. Slopes: The two slopes that occur at the compost site are so slight that we don’t think this question applies.

5. Exposure: We estimated that during the fall months and into the winter our area would feel the suns rays between 10:30 A.M. thru 2:30 P.M.

6. Soil Characteristics: The area closest to the compost bin has dry, sandy, but slightly firm soil. In the surrounding areas of the site the soil firm and appears to be healthy. All the soil has the same dark brown look to it and the drainage appears to be good.

7. Water Features: N/A

8. Principle Plant Species Present: There is one large and healthy Alder tucked behind the compost bins maybe 50ft in height. There is also a young Alder that is located behind the compost bin that looks healthy and is roughly 18ft. in height. There are two young cedars that both appear to be healthy and both are approximately 9ft. in height. To the left of the bins there is what we believe to be Comfrey growing in abundance and next to the Comfrey is Coltsfoot that is abundant, but appears to be turning with the season. The entire site is overgrown with what we think is Trailing Blackberry, but we are not entirely sure. We will keep you posted on our findings.

9. Evidence of Animal Activity: There are spiders with their webs and birds hanging out. There are lots of flies and strong evidence of moles in the ground below. We saw no nests or animal made paths, but as we come to know our area better we may notice more inhabitants.

 10. Our Feelings about the Site: Meghan and I are extremely excited about our site and what it will eventually be with our dedication and hard work. We were both attracted to the compost site because it is something that we will be able to educate ourselves and others about. We also eager to create a compost bin that is working and can, in time, feed the Longhouse garden with its nutrients.