Blanche's Sanctuary

When my husband and I were planning our house thirteen years ago, I knew I did not
want grass and instead would be growing as much food as possible. Once we took possession of
our home, I replaced most of the clay and bedrock in the yard with good soil; a mix of compost,
peat moss, ten year old horse manure, and other nutrient-rich material. I continue to replace the
clay anytime I plant something so everything in my yard thrives. Initially, Karla Cox of
Provisions Permaculture designed and helped me implement everything through three
permablitzes. I have been fortunate in meeting many knowledgeable people who similarly love
permaculture and living sustainable lifestyles. All of them have taught me so much.
My back yard is ringed with Columnar Colorado Spruce, for privacy and protection from
the elements. When I planted them, they were 5’ tall and now they tower over me. Last summer,
I planted sixteen Swedish Aspens between the Spruce and the fence to create additional privacy
and block more wind. I have blueberry, josta, raspberry, and Saskatoon bushes, plus two fruit
trees. I built a raised flower bed and added several flowering shrubs. The birdhouses are
occupied every year with Swallows and I love working in the yard while watching their antics. I
am still waiting for the bat house to be claimed. I saw my first and only bat a few summers ago,
accidently flying into our garage, so I know they are around.
The front yard has raised cedar boxes where I plant vegetables. I generally plant root
vegetables because I make my own Borscht. This year, I tried Brussel sprouts and peppers and
both are thriving. The huge flowerbed spanning the front yard is a source of pride. The Columnar
Aspens create a privacy screen and block the wind. I planted flowers and shrubs at their bases for
another layer and because I love flowers so much. There is a hedge of sorts where the individual
shrubs provide fruit. I started a perennial herb garden last year and it is doing well.
I am addicted to water harvesting. With all the rain barrels and water totes, I collect 1080
gallons of rainwater. I rarely run out of water even in the driest months. The yard buzzes all
summer with bees, birds, dragonflies, and lady bugs. I have multiple bird baths for my feathered
friends, plus vine-covered trellises to draw Hummingbirds. I give away produce to my
neighbours, eat my own produce all summer, and spend entire days working outside because I
love my yard so much.
I wanted our yard to be a place of refuge, somewhere to rejuvenate, an oasis in the middle
of an increasingly technology-driven society where people are driven to succeed and stress is an
accepted way of life. It remains a work in progress. However, my yard is my life and gives me a
place to just be, where I can leave the cares of the world behind.