This week’s post is based off the Tend, Gather, Grow Curriculum Module: “Ecosystem Garden Guide.” In the subsection “Get to Know the Land,” we are offered questions that encourage awareness of the space one is working with. They connect both the history of the land and it’s present state. In our goal to observe and follow nature, these questions help guide us to connecting with the land we will be working with.
What was here before?
We would like to acknowledge the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded this land since time immemorial and who still inhabit the area today, the Squi-Atl Band of Indigenous people of the Squaxin Island Tribe.
Before being clearcut to make way for farmland, the forest ecosystem was rich with native plants. Originally (1972-76), the Community Garden space was pastureland for a cow. Looking at the edges of the field, we can see evergreens and a few alder trees. We can visualize this patch of land being covered again by giant conifers, deciduous trees, shrubs, vines, and herbaceous ground cover.
What exists here now?
Our work will be in Sarah William’s program plot in the community garden. This plot has been used to grow food for student community and educational purposes. From what we know of our plot, the following were grown last year: potatoes, radicchio, tomato, basil, broccoli, peppers, kale, beets, corn, beans, squash, fennel, radishes, and lettuce. Parts of the plot were used to practice permaculture, and others to practice organic farming.
What kind of soil is present?
The soil in our plot is friable (crumbly) regardless of being wet. It is rocky, filled with varying sizes of pebbles. Clay seems to be prominent, as the texture can be smooth and squishy when rocks are removed. The soil has little to no flavor and does not hold much of a shape when compressed.
What “weeds” are growing, and what can they tell us about the soil?
Although unsure what many of the “weeds” growing here are, they carpet the ground mainly between rows (on walkable space). Wherever they grow thickly amongst the edibles, the primary crops seem strong and unaffected by this herbaceous layer. There are also significant areas on the plot that have nothing growing, leaving the soil exposed.
What areas are shady throughout the day?
Seeing as there are large trees surrounding the farm, the south side of the plot seems to get a little less sun throughout the day. The location of the plot in the centre of the community garden is ideal. The whole plot gets full sun for the middle of the day, and dappled sun early and late in the day.
Do certain areas flood in winter?
Across the East fence of the community garden, there is a large dip in the soil. Beth Leimbach, the Organic Farm Manager notes that this area floods when heavy snows or rains appear. This area is right next to the community garden, and may run off into it.
What insects, birds, and other animals visit this space
There is a large fence surrounding the community garden, so deer and other large animals cannot enter. There are always birds in the trees surrounding the farm, and they often float down to eat bugs and plants. It is winter now, so many animals are not out and about. Spider webs decorate many of the dormant plants and surrounding structures while small pill bugs roll up at the feeling of footfalls on the earth.
