The 'blank' spot where Ruby Jayne (the dog) is laying was another straw-bale bed. It broke down and then was covered in quack grass (a noxious grass) and Creeping Charlie (an annoying vining weed used long ago for bittering beer). So I destroyed it with Bob 185 (the Bobcat) and will most likely leave that mostly open...
Gail's Farm Hacks: MAKE SURE TO TAKE OUT THE FEEDER CAN AND QUEEN CAGE!!!

I plan to make more... When you have logs? Use 'em!
I'm really fascinated by permaculture. Why do we till down 10+inches and disturb the soil so deeply for our gardens? I've gotten better and more yield from my raised beds I've ever thought possible. Keyhole gardens (started in South Africa and layered with, essentially, trash and covered with dirt), hugelkulturs, etc. are a less labor-intensive way to garden, in my opinion. Who wants to spend hours and hours when you can spend minutes weeding? I have better things to do. Like play with the equine.
left to right front row: apple, apple, pear - behind: apples, pecans, Saskatoons (immature), brambles (raspberries and blackberries) cherries and peaches.
