I grew up on a conventional farm in the midwest and lost all interest in rural life by the time I was old enough to work. I settled on a career in industrial design and have only recently returned to this lifestyle as seen through the lens of Permaculture and lower impact living.

I tend to be pretty analytical about things, and a lack of symmetry or design pains me greatly, however the use of natural patterns and overall design efficiency are drawing me in.

We are just starting to implement several Permaculture concepts to our 10 acre farm and currently have chickens, ducks, and 2 boer/x goats for weed control.

We are planning an irrigation pond as well as starting to add swales and hugel beds to our existing garden and orchard.

Making Swales with a Tractor and Loader

Just a quick update to show how I have been making swales with a small Kubota and front end loader.

Hugelkultur / Sun Trap

Creating a microclimate for our bees.