WELCOME TO THE HUGGING GARDENS

At the Road

The flow of the access is limited by the power distribution line easement running adjacent to the west side of the property on the neighbor's land. The cedar tree will always be trimmed according to vegetation management controls determined by BC Hydro: no other tree taller than a mature 20 feet will be allowed to be planted. The dust created by the neighbor's dirt road and lack of speed limits and consideration has been a problem that is being alleviated somewhat by the density of the branch berm fence that has been started.

It is suggested that two old portions of fence be removed: the upper portion from the cedar to the last post need not be replaced, letting the snowberry, etc. become hedge-like. Below the wild hops there is a section of fence that is falling into the driveway. This old fence needs to be removed and replaced by a branch berm planted with wild flowers, vines and climbing roses.

Aside from the softening along the straight west perimeter by changing to a bird-loving branch fence, all the flow, the curved access for turning in, and the welcoming aspects must be accomplished on the other (east) side of the driveway. The walnut tree at the entry makes a beautiful statement to start with. In the spring time, hundreds of daffodils provide a cheery yellow carpet below the walnut, and along the top twenty or so feet of driveway. The addition of other trees and a pond (henceforth called the Alder Pond) at this corner will add the effects of providing privacy and shelter from road energy and traffic emissions, and water and water gardens which are always beautiful to see and be mesmerized by. This pond is expected to be the water source for a very large part of the natural irrigation system.

Along the Driveway

Because the driveway is straight for some distance it tends to create a tunnel effect that hardens the energy. Although the lower part of the west fence line is straight too, it has been softened by allowing the natural hedgerow growth to grow, and by removing part of the old fence and building a branch and refuse berm welcomed by the birds and other critters. On the lower or east side of the driveway the crabapple and flowering plum trees are planted in a straight row, and the mowed edges to the driveway all add up to the "straight" feel.

Curving the landscaping and proposed waterworks around the trees and along the driveway will help change this feel. A second pond (henceforth called the Plum Pond) should be dug where the flowering plum tree now stands (the flowering plum is mostly dead, and has outlived its expected or projected lifespan by at least ten years so far). The stepping of the two ponds will even out the difference in land height more easily that a ditch by itself.

The Parking Lot

The circular parking lot leading to the double litch gate and the eight-foot vehicle gate is very welcoming already. The curved landscaping and waterworks proposed will curve around the top of the critter sanctuary area on the edge of the parking lot, between the chip pile and parking lot edge, to a gate to be installed for access to the meadow (proposed orchard) and chicken yard. Where the waterway will cross this access point, it is suggested that it be filled with rock rather than a culvert. Keep the rocks irregular enough and clear of earth and the chickens won't cross it (nor will they cross water ditches, preferring to dig in the mud and dirt).

To make better use of the unexpected gift of a chip pile (left by Hydro line clearing) it is suggested that you turn it in to an ammendment pile. Spread a yard of sea soil and about 10 bags of Soil Plus over the top and have a digger mix the works. Here is the material to add to each of the holes for the new trees in the orchard arboretum.

The waterway will continue southward and water will flow into the end of the already existing Gate Pond. Berming here will keep the deer out, chickens in, and make a join with the existing circular fence. Again, let it grow with blackberries, roses and mile-a-minute, all of which create a privacy and dust barrier. The three roses just inside the vehicle gate (plus a few others) could be moved easily to the new sections of fencing and berm.

The flowering vines and roses that already envelop the fence and the two gates should be encouraged on the berm on the west side of the driveway, continuing the welcoming flow up the linear side of the property.

Although the critter sanctuary is a thoughtful, useful addition, it would work better for the critters if it was situated away from the parking lot traffic and the easy access for neighborhood cats. In the non-nesting season, move the critter sanctuary contents to a berm fence where the birds and other species will be undisturbed.

Because the parking lot receives full sun all day, it would be beneficial to plant several more ornamental trees to provide some shade for parked vehicles and a produce stand. Plant them to make the flow more apparent (not in a row). A large weeping willow just inside the current rose fence beside the Gate Pond would tie the parking lot to the gardens effectively, visually.

It is suggested that the lawns from the entrance at the road all along the driveway and around the parking lot be maintained to add a green line of flow and welcome. This also provides a grazing area for the deer, albeit much smaller than they are accustomed to. As the west side berm fence is increased in height, the deer will be less likely to enter this part of the driveway, being guided in other directions. If this berm fence is covered in roses, they may be content to stay on the other side! A new cattleguard might be advisable in the future to keep the sheep and cattle out.

As the meadow area must become inaccessible to deer and other farm animals if it is to become an orchard with chickens running loose, it will be necessary to install a barrier. The earth from the waterway development can be piled to make a landscaped earth fence along the east side of the driveway, but deer are sure footed and sure to climb right over it if unimpeded. To avoid having posts and wire fencing (unsustainable energy use and unnecessary expenditure), it is suggested that you take old page-wire fencing and lay it down flat at the edge of the berm. Deer do not like walking in the small holes and will be deterred from going up and over. Swimming is not a daily event for deer either, so digging the Plum Pond along the edge of the driveway, without a berm, should be sufficient to deter them - and allow them to access water, too. Another way would be to instal 7 ft. plastic deer fencing with bamboo woven in it, and then plant a hedge of buddlea or lavatera or a mix for color and softening of the linearity. To make the orchard arboretum accessible to farm equipment or vehicles, a gate and perhaps a small amount (few feet) of fencing will be required at the parking lot. A rock drain/culvert will be necessary to bridge the waterway at this point. When the security is installed, plant it with the same vines and roses to carry the line around and through, joining the separate parts in a whole.

While the development work is being done, it would be good idea to clear a flat space to accommodate a building for selling farm-gate produce. Removing the critter sanctuary would leave a usable space. Having the selling point here is safer than cars stopping on the main road, and easier for the restocking of items as necessary to keep them fresh. Vandalism may be less likely, too. The building can be designed to enhance the welcoming aspects of the whole.

Inside the Gates

Once inside the gates, the welcoming is instant with vehicles and walking visitors alike being hugged by the abundant and beautiful vegetation; although opening and closing either gate becomes difficult when the gardens crowd too closely in the summer time. Opening up the vista to the garden on the lower or east side of the vehicle access road might be preferable to a wall of fennel and roses there now.

Widen the driveway across from the Path Pond out to the large sitting rock. The removal of this large patch of vinca, valerian seedlings, comfrey and yarrow to the north perimeter berm will provide colour, energy and healing to the destination. These particular plants enjoy clearing up vehicular emissions and road clutter. This widening will reduce the linearity from the driveway and provide a pond viewing place.

Trimming the lower branches of the trees on the west fence line and the English Oak in the Y in the driveway would permit easier, safer vehicle access. Allow the roses that have started their climb to continue up and down the driveway fence to provide beauty and a dust barrier to the neighbor's driveway. Allow the large patches of wild Nootka rose and Oregon grape to progress as well. Trim the blackberries and the snowberries as you would a hedge to make a dust and privacy barrier from the neighbors. Aside from the dust and privacy protection, all the growth on the west side is effective in transmuting the EMF's from the BC Hydro transmission & distribution lines.

Continued on the next page