Just what the heck is a herb spiral?? Well, I'll tell you: In Permaculture terms, a herb spiral is a really nice way to plant herbs in your backyard. On 11 Nov, 2001, a group of wonderful permaculture folks came by and we built this wonderful creation.
When finished, it looks like this
Here are the steps:
Before you start, have a chicken tractor over the spot to conventiently clean up any unwanted vegetation. Please note: this step is optional
Spread out cardboard boxes...
Thn lay out your pattern..
and start laying rocks for the outer wall.
It takes quite a few rocks
Fill in with some kitchen scraps and partially composted anything. Lay out the inner wall also..
Put some soil in as you build the walls higher.
and higher
Stop to smile for the camera (except Colette - she is such a hard worker)
Take a short break, this is hard work
Keep building the inner walls higher and higher
More soil
and mulched leaves with lots of bugs and earthworms
Lay out the plants
Pose for the camera
and more posing is always good.
Make important decision - specifically which plants want sunlight and which plants need the most/least water. The plants at the top use the least water and the plants at the bottom require the most.
Plant, plant plant.
Stop and have a snack - keep the folks happy
and voila - In less than 2 hours, we have a completed herb spiral.
We had to have great food afterwards, so here are the pics of that.
Eileen and Rene
Robert and Michelle
Sacha and Dick
Current view in October 2003