permaculture

[Janton <vonzu@frisurf.no>]

Lawrence F. London, Jr. wrote:
> Vonzu wrote:
>
> > Hi, permaculturers.
> >
> >
> > I am currently trying to convert to a more self-sufficient state, and have
> > run in to some wind problems.
> >
> > I live in southern Norway, in a small, glacier-created valley. The wind
> > speeds in our little valley can be quite high, and although it is nice to
> > uce for electricity generation, it is a problem in my garden. Work can
> > become difficult and unpleasant, kids have problems standing erect, and the
> > plants don't get the peace and quiet i would like them to have.
> >
> > I have thought about constructing walls, but it is very costly and time
> > consuming to erect walls of sufficcient size.
> >
> > What I would like the most, would be to plant some sturdy and fast growing
> > plants along the perimeter. I have limited knowledge about these things yet,
> > and have no clue as to which kind of plant I would benefit the most from
> > using.
> >
> > I might mention that my garden is large enough to accomodate quite wide wind
> > barriers.
> >
> > Can anyone recommend some "wally" plants to me?
> >
> >
> > Regards from Jan Anton Fjermestad
>
> Hello Jan:
>
> Could you describe the climatic conditions in your area, such as last frost 
> date,
> lowest temperature reached in Winter and average rainfall? Also, what type of 
> soil do you have,
> sandy, heavy clay, well/poorly drained, organic matter content and pH 
> comnditions?
>
> I would think that any coniferous evergreens would be best suited for your 
> planting especially
> such trees as cedar, spruce and hemlock. These are not particularly deep 
> rooted species and do prefer acidic soils.
> Can oak, birch, maple and beech grow where you are?
>
> Lawrence
> central North Carolina
>
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Hello, Lawrence.


I have tried to do my homework.
I hope the information below sheds some light on the conditions where we 
live.


CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Medium temperature, July:       12-16 degC (24 hour average)
Medium temperature, January:    0-4 degC (24 hour average)

Growth season length:           Approximately 200 days.

First snow (at +800 meter):     19. of November (we live at approx +50m)

Leaves appear on trees between 26. of April and 1. of May

Last frost date:
At present, I am not sure wether or not we have seen the last
frost-night this winter. Usually, we should be past the frost-period by
now, but this winter is a little die-hard.

Lowest temperature reached during winter:
During this winter, we reached approximately -12 degC, which is
considered very cold where we live. Although, we have expereinced as low
as -25 degC in extreme cold-periods.

Average rainfall:
Average rainfall per year is approx. 1270mm.
Maximum: 162mm in October
Minimum:  60mm in April


SOIL CONDITIONS:

Soil type:
I am not quite sure. Somewhat lean soil.

Drainage:
Drainage is good in our garden. It can sustain heavy rainfall over long
periods of time without becoming all 'muddy'. We have a well at the
bottom of our garden, and it delivers quite substantial amounts of water
even during very dry periods. Our garden is somewhat sloped, and I think
drainage water from areas above our garden runs below/through the soil
in our garden.

Organic matter content:
Low organic matter content.

pH conditions:
Neutral to slightly sour (drainage of manure from domestic animals).


PLANTS ALLREADY PRESENT:

Maple:
We have a huge maple in our garden, which i take as a proof that maple
grows where we live.

Grass:
Grass grows heavily in our garden during spring/summer/fall


Regards from Jan Anton, south-east Norway.