Permaculture and our yard. Part 2

This spring we decided to try our hanf at some small scale swales.
Prep work: We watched videos, read how-tos, and had a pickaxe. I was ready to go! Well almost. In order to build on contour, (Important in order to catch water and direct it without washing out the berm, and hillside. Minor details) I needed to find level contour. A great tool for this is an A frame level. We didn't have one so Akahige built me one. Part of our research showed that for steep slopes a 15 inch rule was to be followed. No more the 15 inches deep or wide for the swale.

After a good spring shower I took my gear and climbed the slope. Wet dirt made my work easier. Wet grass however added a whole new level to my work out. (I should have the strongest ankles around if I keep this up) I cut the first one from the property corner to the rose bush in an afternoon. The next day Akahige helped me lay logs and create a berm. We then created the second swale 5 feet lower from the ginko to the spruce. I found level,  Akahige did the digging, and I leveled the basin. We filled the swale with wood chips and planted tansy, zebra grass, clover, iris, and wildflower seeds. I planted strawberries on the slope.

We put sprinklers on it for the season just to help the vegetation take root. We may be dreaming but we think the Spruce is growing better and as you can see from the pictures we ended up with some nice flowers and growth this summer.

Now to let the flowers reseed and start on the large scale.