The photo and following text is from a vetiver website Patti Stouter found. Please send us links to any relevant articles you come across. There are situations where slopes are so steep, where rainfall is so intense, and where the soils are so fragile that applying the Vetiver System by itself will not work. There … Read more
From time to time we answer reader’s questions. James: I wanted to build with straw bales, but a builder friend advised me not to go with this type of construction here in Texas because of the problem of fire ants building nests in the straw. Owen: No one building system is perfect for every situation. … Read more
We get a lot of questions about privacy walls. The blogger at Sunflower River provides lots of photos to help illustrate the process. Instead of trying to recap what they say on their blog, I suggest following the links below for a detailed look at what they’re doing. Beginning process Wall almost finished Or … Read more
Greenhouses are very popular for extending the growing season, but heating them in cold climates is expensive. In contrast, pit greenhouses — greenhouses built into the earth — use free solar energy from the sun for heating. The temperature of the earth (usually around 55-58 degrees Fahrenheit) helps stabilize the temperature in the greenhouse. One … Read more
Add elegance to your backyard with this durable earthbag bench and stylish arbor. Using this simple method and renewable resources, you can build a beautiful bench and arbor for a cozy backyard retreat. Benches and arbors can turn an ordinary space in your yard into a striking focal point. They’re ideal for relaxing and for … Read more
Update: This living wall is thriving. I built a second design with an aluminum frame and removable potted plants and so far the plants prefer this living wall made with fishing net. This is a living wall experiment using a small prototype to test the concept. It’s easy to make and very low cost. Living … Read more