Welcome to the Garden of Invasive Species, otherwise known as my backyard...
We've got ivy
and japanese knotweed (deliciously edible tho)
and lots and lots of Vinca Major!Not to mention, I compiled a thorough list with the help of my landscaping buddy, Ethan Rainwater. Here goes:
Ivy, Vinca Major, English Holly, Japanese Knotweed, English Laurel, Port. Laurel, Himalayan Blackberry, Dandelion, Wood Hyacinth, Sing. Hawthorn, Mazzard Cherry, and Norway Maple. Yikes!
So, I don't feel bad about changing this landscape and taking some of the heavy clay soil out of there for my next cob structure. Score!
Digging out a small retaining wall
Let's curve it to define spaces I'll actually want to use
We use up some leftover urbanite from the cob greenhouse project and have some fun with the lines we can create, nothing like getting nerdy and muddy with a fellow designer...
we find a little shiva statue in the ivy and give it a proper rebirth
soon to plant edible nasturiums and strawberries!
Urbanite...love it as a name for broken concrete, almost makes it seem like an exotic material. City dweller's cultured stone. lol
ReplyDeleteyour blog is so wonderful. thank you for sharing so much information and great pics. we are looking into cob here in australia for our property. i love the organic forms that are possible and the lack of sharp angles and rigid wall surfaces.
ReplyDeletekeep up the great work.
cheers,
kate
I lived during the Great Depression and it's deja vu for me. The American Dream has overwhelmed us and daily living has become outrageously cumbersome. If we must sacrifice well being for consumerism and rampant over-consumption, we'll be buried.
ReplyDeleteSimplicity isn't an option it's essential for survival.
Right on, all three of you! I love it when people get it. Garbage is a resource, curves are beautiful and simplicity is key!
ReplyDeleteHello! Would it be alright if I make reference to your blog in an article I am writing about straw-clay? I feel you have a lot of interesting information that people could use as a resource for creativity.
ReplyDeletePlease let me know asap because the articles are very time-sensitive.
Thank you kindly,
Bethany
231-740-0900
bethanyjoylamb@gmail.com
What an exciting experience!/Hilarious! Delightful! True!/wonderful stuff! thank you!
ReplyDeleteRetaining Walls
I can't wait to see the finished yard. It is looking great so far!
ReplyDeleteLots of hard work... But the end result is all worth it.
ReplyDelete