That's because we captured it in on contour swales!
While we are in this record drought period with no sign of rain in sight here is some inspiration for action we can take now to prepare for when we do get a blessing from the skies. And to be fair we did get a thunderstorm early this morning so we are already using these simple and effective earthworks to capture valuable, free rainwater before it get to the drain or the street.
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| POV Excavator cab |
On Contour Swales are a way to slow, spread and sink rainwater in order to store it in the ground.
Geoff Lawton eloquently describes the concept in this short video.
Here are some that I built in Oakland last week working along side my friend Christopher Schein. He is a master of Permaculture Design and long time teacher.
Please check out his book The Vegetable Gardener's Guide to Permaculture and his Permaculture Class at Merritt College.
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| The Eucalyptus logs to the right are forming a raised bed for vegetables. The berm on the Left will be planted with fruit trees |
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| A swale in the making. We used some water to find the level. You can also see a transit in the upper left corner. We also use an "A" frame. |
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| The berm on this swale will be planted with native plants. |
Adding mulch to the swale basin.
Las Trampas Ridge in Lafayette. Mid December 2013.
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| Often we need to work around existing trees. Being mindful of their roots we attempt to sink water into their drip line. |
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| Edge of swimming pool |
Last year saw a very dry December. Typically it would not be possible to do this kind of excavation in the winter months without making a huge mess, especially around a pool.
I would love to get some "Now" photos to compare the before and after shots.
Enjoy the fruits of the season,
David
