This is my concept design for a client in the Western Cross Timbers bioregion of Texas who primarily reached out for help with their water management plans for the area around their home.
Permaculture Water Management
As you can see from the plan above, the design incorporates many water-management features commonly found in permaculture designs, including on-contour swales and berms, vegetated swales or diversion swales, rain gardens, and a water catchment pond, or reservoir.
The broad goal in terms of water management, of course, is to catch and store water on the property, while directing it wisely, and keeping it away from the newly built home and garage. A culvert currently brings water to the north east corner of the property and the idea is to manage the water it delivers from a pond to the north as well as the rainwater that falls on the site.
The Importance of Native Planting
Another of the ultimate goals for this property is to develop a native plant nursery, and so of course the right native planting will be key to the design. In all my designs, though not always slavish in choosing locally native species, I always include a high proportion of native plants.
As many permaculture practitioners and students will know, native plants are often the best adapted to local conditions, best for local wildlife, and most likely to survive and thrive long term. They can save money, and they can save time, often helping to create relatively low-maintenance spaces.
With this case study, I would draw your attention to the fact that I mention not just the state, but the specific bioregion. Honing in on the right vegetation often means not only looking at state or nation native plants, but rather specific plants for a specific bioregion, and sometimes even a smaller subcategory of it.
If you are in need of a design that will help you to manage water on your property, and/or are struggling to put together a specific planting plan for your bioregion and specific site, I can help you to make sure you set out on the right track, and avoid mistakes that could see you backtracking further down the line.
Wherever you live, please do get in touch to discuss your design needs.
EWSP Consultancy 