Healing Gardens

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 Salmon Berry. To the left of the compost bins Coltsfoot and Comfrey are present. The ground is slightly uneven and there is evidence of moles.

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.

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.

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 and another Alder behind the compost bins that looks healthy and is roughly 18ft. in height. There are two young Western Red Cedars that are healthy and both are approximately 9ft. in height. To the left of the bins there is 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 Trailing Blackberry and Salmon Berry. Also present is Stinging Nettle, Salal, and a Douglas Fir (not a true fir) that is roughly 40ft. tall.

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.