The Urban Permaculture Project

Introducing The Urban Permaculture Project

Hello Permies People,
There are so many new folks here since I was last a regular contributor that I feel that I should make an introduction. I spent about 10ish years developing a semi rural permaculture demonstration farmlette that some of you may have seen in my previous posts and photos.  That is gone now and in it’s place is…..

The Urban Permaculture Project (UPP) is my new(ish) project, just about 4 years old.
The core of the UPP is an urban corner lot in Sumter, South Carolina and branching out from that core are many assorted projects.  I am currently working with The Friendship Community Garden, about a mile from here, restoring an old 70s model Schwinn to be used for transportation, consulting with a local commercial grower who is incorporating sustainable methods into his farming operation, and finishing up Master Gardener course certification.

Recently retired (2 years ago) I now also have time to do more traveling.  I returned from a trip to Cuba a couple of months ago and learned so many new things that I want to try and share.  Next week I am leaving for a short trip to Peru to hike the Inca Trail.  That to is a learning opportunity that I am eager to experience.

For today’s first photo I am featuring a picture of the ‘mini pond’.  This water feature is the standard Lowes model that a friend has had in her yard for about 10 or more years.  She didn’t want it anymore so I dug it up and installed it here at the UPP.  

I believe that some sort of water feature is essential to every growing situation.  It produces toads and frogs, dragonflies, nutrient laden water to feed plants and so on and so forth.

We are fortunate here to have an actual sidewalk – they seem to be disappearing in the USA – and I believe that sidewalks are so important to strong communities in so many ways.  Hopscotch and other artwork is displayed on the sidewalk and friends and neighbors are encouraged to contribute.  

This year, 2018, is the first year that ANYTHING has grown successfully on this barren sandy soil.  The previous 3 years of composting and mulching appears to be paying off.  There are lots of projects in the planning stages; food forest, book share, food/plant share, etc.

In my area winter time is my FAVORITE time to garden so I’m gearing up for a very active winter garden.  Looking forward to sharing those posts with you.

Lovely!

I'm in the Carolinas too.  Do you have a house on the lot? If so what did you go with?

Rob, I do have a house on the lot. My husband and I live here.  I'm not sure about your question "what did you go with?". Sorry, I'm easily confused :-)

Jeanine Gurley Jacildone wrote:Rob, I do have a house on the lot. My husband and I live here.  I'm not sure about your question "what did you go with?". Sorry, I'm easily confused :-)

LOL that was pretty obscure of me.  What I mean is was there already a house? Or did you do earthbag dome/cob house/tiny house?  I'm asking because I'm starting from bare land in the piedmont of NC and I wonder whether earthbag will hold up to the humidity.

Rob, LOL, I understand.

This is an Urban lot (in town) and there was already a house circa 1957.  Sort of a working class ranch style neighborhood.  Most of the houses are one bathroom but this one has two full baths.  Fairly plain but comfortable and sturdy house.

As for earth bag construction  - I do not have experience with it but I will assume that it would hold up fine.  I believe that there are some communities in the Asheville area that might have some experience with these types of construction.  

Time to visit Asheville!  :)