Facilities

Labyrinth

Kyle has been heading up a project to built a labyrinth at the farm. Here are some pictures during the construction process:

labyrinth2.jpg: 461x307, 59k (July 29, 2007, at 11:43 AM)

Kyle: "Labyrinths have been used throughout time in many cultures. The particular design that I'm working on is the Chakra design which is common to India. Labyrinths are used for meditation and relaxataion, when one walks this ancient pattern of nature a sense of clarity and tranquility will arise. The long term goal is to line the path with a living willow wall which will hopefully grow into overhanging arches along the path, but for now, we plan to plant poppies and other colorful flowers."

Shower System

The interns' shower system is model of the permaculture ethos. Water from the pond is pumped up using solar energy to the barn where the spectacular shower enclosures are.

The water passes through the solar hot water panels that will eventually be attached to wooden racks on the barn roof. This heated water is stored in a modified propane hot water tank before being delivered to the shower nozzle.

The used water falls through the shower floor and is trapped by a gray water collection system. Eventually it is delivered to the head of a asparagus patch, providing hydration for these tasty veggies.

And to top it off, the west view from the shower enclosure is magnificent, especially at sunset.

Greenhouse Water System

Using a rain catchment from the barn roof, we get all the water we need for the greenhouse. The tank is a few feet higher than the greenhouse, so the water is gravity fed without the use of any pumps.

When it reaches the greenhouse, one can divert the water several different ways. One valve goes to a hose attachment for direct greenhouse watering. Another fills a large basin in the greenhouse for future use. The last valve lets the water flow still further downhill to the 10,000 gallon water tank in Lonnie and Valerie's basement.