Design for Swamp Rabbit Cafe -2

1. Soil. Since we are not sure what contaminants it may contain, the edible plants are placed in raised beds or containers. It would still be a good idea to get it tested so that it could be remediated. A clean source for garden soil and compost will be needed.

2. I chose crossvine to shade the problem windows and also as a source of nectar for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It  is somewhat evergreen. It is planted toward the south of the windows where early morning winter sun interferes with work, and on the opposite side toward the north for symmetry. It is a vigorous, native vine, so it would probably be a good idea to plant it in a large container. We'll prune as necessary and remove seed pods in the fall.

3. The rain barrel will hopefully be fitted with a first flush mechanism with an automatic slow release. The area around it contains moisture loving and insectary plants edged with a small rock wall habitat. I have a contact who can help with the barrel repair and can hopefully give advice for an elevated catchment system on the roof of the recessed area on the left, which sits lower than the gutter on the cafe roof. If this can be done, then a gravity drip irrigation can be installed and eliminate the need for tap water in combination with other techniques.

4. Hugelkultur can be used in the raised beds and planters, preferably with already rotted wood from a clean source. Some soils can be excavated from the center of the raised beds for the wood layer, and the height of the wood frame increased to at least 12". Mulch material on the surface can also conserve moisture and perhaps serve as substrate for mushrooms such as oysters grown as companions in the raised beds. Mulch on the walkway between beds can be fresh wood chips which are added to the beds after a year and then replaced. Additional fertilizer can be provided from  local sources (worm castings, rabbit droppings, composted manure)

5. Where possible, recycled items are used, such as wine and olive oil bottles as decorative edging, recycled wooden barrel planters and vessels for rain collection. Where space is an issue along the sidewalk, thin plastic edging can be purchased that is made from recycled material.

6. The "treehole" shaped garden on the left is meant for continuous harvest of greens for all season, including perennials, mixed with edible legumes. The sheltered spot should provide afternoon shade and protection from cold and wind and the use of cloches and edible winter covers can prolong the harvest season.

7. Not pictured are ideas for additional plantings. A shelterbelt along the driveway could be planted with inkberry and winterberry hollies (natives) that would provide holiday cuttings and feed birds. The picnic area could have barrel planters placed at each post (there is a canvas shelter) with the following guild: sunshine blue blueberries (suited for containers) creeping blueberry and groundnut to climb the posts.