permaculture

["Lawrence F. London, Jr." <london@metalab.unc.edu>]

Lawrence F. London, Jr. -+|+- Venaura Farm
london@metalab.unc.edu   lflondon@worldnet.att.net
http://metalab.unc.edu/london, /permaculture, /ecolandtech
EcoLandTech -+|+- InterGarden -+|+- Permaculture
-
Frank asked for ideas on pond building. Maybe we can start a thread on
this, if anyone is interested. My feedback is below.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 1 Aug 1999 22:48:22 -0400 (EDT)
From: FranksFarm@aol.com
> In center of pond area is small elevated island with a few trees that I'd 
> like to keep. How do you suggest we build this pond for wildlife, native
> plantings, irrigation etc.?
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1) Get a copy of Mollison's A Designer's Manual
2) The pond's edge should be crenelated, i.e. undulating, zigzag,
ragged, ["lobular embayments" is a term Mollison uses on P.78 of DM] 
rather than a smooth continous curve. See pps. 481-483 of DM on
"pond configuration and edge effects".
3) Where runoff runs into pond construct a slightly graduated slope with
different sized pebbles, rocks, gravel, sand - this could become an
area where shellfish could breed - though usually flowing water is
necessary - just a thought - maybe divert flow from a creek in and out of
the pond
4) Construct shallow, boggy, swampy areas for breeding grounds for aquatic
creatures - plant reeds, cattails and other shallow water aquatic plants
there (will provide cover for wildlife) 
5) Make sure you construct areas where the water is shallow to semi
shallow with rocks, sandbars, etc. for turtles and amphibians, esp. frogs
6) You want to be sure you have fertile ground at water's edge - so you'll
get lush plant growth, weeds, plantings, etc. This is essential for
wildlife feeding, breeding and cover, and shade in summer and erosion
control, and nutrient catchment and filtering

LL

'Every day the intelligent person learns something new, but every day
the wise person gives up some certainty'    The Buddha.





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