A permaculture-inspired re-design of an existing garden is in some ways analogous to a green remodel (as opposed to building green from the start or totally demolishing existing structures). Instead of a blank slate, we have the bones of an existing garden structure that we can follow or modify. Observation and patience are the keys, and bring a new respect for the original designer, whoever he or she might have been (wish we had his/her drawings!) Also we emphasize using existing or donated materials rather than purchasing new (with the exception of building the raised beds and the barn owl houses.)

This is our proposed name for the section between the first and second paths (what we call the Guava Path and the Meadow-Citrus Path), where the hose bib is (opposite the tent). This section already contains a number of fruit trees planted in 2007 (2 peaches and an apple), plus an existing ornamental, pink-flowered bush (we haven't yet identified it) and the new super-fragrant champaca, donated by Ann. Roy outlined a nice kidney-shaped pond with lots of "edge" which we can put in when we remove the existing raised bed, which is falling apart. There is an additional hose bib at the greenhouse end of this section so it's already a reasonably wet area. We could do the wildflower thing in this bed if we like. Larry and I thought it would look better "green" than covered with mulch (brown) like the rest of the garden, and we might even want to consider a small patch of lawn ( I know, I know...). Because it's between the two hose bibs, I think we can keep this section looking pretty green and lush, especially as we'll have the pond. We can put bulbs around the pond etc. Maybe a solar fountain in the pond to give us some moving water? It would be really nice to sit in the shade of the little tent and enjoy the pond, the sound of moving water and the soothing green lushness. Ecotherapy!

This path starts between the guava and the pink ornamental bush, first path on your right as you come along the path from the garden entrance. This is the path where the plastic squares used to be. We need to decide how to surface this path. Right now it's bare earth and because for some reason it's getting watered, the Bermuda grass is popping up again (of course). Jacob suggested gravel. We need to find out what surfaces would be acceptable and if they have to be wheelchair accessible.

Roy helped us envision the continuation of the guava path across the area with the creekside raised bed and down the middle of the orchard on the creek side of the greenhouse. Per Jacob's suggestion, we've re-sited the row of deciduous fruit trees (probably bushy apricots and plums) that will be put in along the creekside of the greenhouse wall to be slightly further out from the wall, to leave more room for growth. The path will go between those trees (not yet put in) and the trees we put in last year. A nice orchard walk. There are gopher holes here, so we'll have to address that issue.

On the far side of the second path to your right as you enter the garden (the meadow-citrus garden path) is the "citrus grove" with some lovely mature citrus trees that are yielding excellent fruit. When we remove the derelict raised bed from this section we could add two more citrus trees and possibly put some kind of seat or table in the middle of the grove, which will be a delightfully fragrant and cool place to sit and escape the world while munching a tangerine. (More multisensory ecotherapy!)

Roy thought that design-wise we might want to replace the existing raised bed in this area with a new one to match the new raised bed on the other side of the tree. We're slowly uncovering the original structure of the garden - wooden "lines" outlining paths etc. and are using this design as a guideline - no need to reinvent the wheel here as it's quite an aesthetically pleasing design.

We've put the two redwood trellises that used to be in the greenhouse in the small garden on the north side of the exterior greenhouse wall that's near the swing. The idea here will be to plant some vines that contribute somewhat to the cooling of the greenhouse walls. Right now the trellises are just stuck in the ground here, and probably need some cement footing. Maybe a passionfruit vine here - or kiwifruit? Or more grapes?

What had been the fragrance garden (next to the new raised bed) is now planted out in donated annual ornamentals but could eventually be the vegetable and maybe herb garden, if we can find enough garden volunteers to take care of it properly. This is definitely "zone 1" gardening that demands attention! If you'd like to be part of a team that is part of taking care of this relatively small space and the nearby raised beds, please let us know. This is where we can grow lots of annual and perennial edibles.

More fragrance plants will be added to the small, skinny garden bed just to the left of the garden entrance, in between the fruit trees. Right now there are three fragrant heritage roses (very tough), and I'll add more as I propagate them from cuttings. It would be nice to add lavender, sage and other fragrant plants, if folks will donate them. The existing elderly rockroses have, alas, outlived their lifetimes ( Sunset Garden recommends they be replaced every 3 years), so these need to be removed.

At the entrance end of the fence, we'll probably go for some fragrant roses, and in the orchard area opposite the greenhouse we already have four grape vines going, but we'll need additional vines along the length of this long fence. If anyone has passionfruit starts, or even a couple of kiwis, we could consider them here? There are naturalized cane berries (probably highly invasive blackberries) on the creek side of the fence but we might also consider more mannerly cane fruits on part of the fence. Preferably thornless and types that don't sucker underground!

HERB SPIRAL, COB BENCH?

We'd like to put a herb spiral someplace, preferably somewhere sunny and hot. Still looking for the right place. Also it could be nice to find a place to put a permanent cob bench, but Right now people move the chairs and seating around a lot, and seem to enjoy that freedom, so I'm not sure this is really needed, though. And a cob oven seems a bit risky given our fire season challenges. These are certainly favorite permaculture garden stand-bys, but perhaps don't have to be in every permaculture garden.

OTHER IDEAS?

If you have ideas or would like to suggest changes, additions etc., please let us know.

1) LABOR. No garden happens without some grunt work. We need help continuing the sheet mulching (layers of mulch, cardboard, more mulch), enlarging the circular wells around the fruit trees, planting food plants and seeds under the trees, weeding (especially hoeing out Bermuda grass on paths), removal of old raised beds, putting plastic squares and pipes in greenhouse or shed, etc. Call Larry at 451-4168 if you'd like to help. We'll also schedule regular work parties, which will include a potluck lunch and a one-hour free talk on a subject of interest to gardeners and permaculturists.

2) DONATIONS of plants -- lavender, sage, herbs, edibles, useful ornamental plants etc. Also rocks to outline paths, brick edging pavers (preferably straight ones), ordinary bricks. Bird baths, statuary, garden benches, hollowed-out rocks to hold water for wildlife, bird houses, etc. would also be lovely. Contact me at lbuzzell@aol.com or 563-2089 if you'd like do donate something.