Digging Curves

 Straight lines seem to dominate structures and landscapes shaped and formed by human hands. It is difficult to notice these things without experiencing an alternative. Right angles form doorways, shelving, windowpanes, books, speakers, chairs, dressers, counters, cupboards, piano keys, spacebars, the list is endless. Walking into the garden, I step down stairs, each forming a perfect right angle with the stair below. Finally, into the garden I enter a world of shapes and patterns created with purpose, inherently brilliant and full of life. However, this orchestra of natural form is interrupted by the straight lines, rows, that gardeners create to form neat and tidy microclimates where these natural forms can grow. 

 

In the community where I live, this straight landscape design has become tradition.

Yesterday, some friends and I opted to try something new. I have been very drawn to the guiding principals and strategies of the every growing ‘Permaculture Design’ movement which seeks to establish and regenerate human settlements in such a way that has a positive impact on the natural environment. Using this design methodology, I decided to experiment and change the row structure in our garden. I chose to bend the lines, forming a circular planting bed to increase planting area and decrease path area. Paths pound our carefully worked, fluffy loam soils into hardpan which is not suitable for plant growth. By creating a circular bed with only one radius like path, maximizes the plant friendly area.

Heres how it happens. If we take a typical 4 ft by 15 ft raised bed garden and bent it into a U shape with a small opening for a path leading to the center, the path shrinks from roughly 22 square feet to 6.

Here are the beginnings of a keyhole bed started on October 2nd. 

The circular shape of the garden is equal to if not more important than the path square foot specifics. Curves more closely resemble natures tendency to form meandering, graceful, and undulating shapes. Somehow curves are able to put me at ease, draw me in and make me want to stay.

I will keep updates when our little seeds begin to grow...