In 2014, we bid a fond farewell to our original homestead and moved into the Sellwood neighborhood of SE Portland for another fixer-upper homestead project. Our new digs had different colored carpet in every room, wallpaper for every decade since the home’s construction in the early mid-century, and a minimal landscape consisting of just lawn.
We began cutting sod and sheet mulching to rehab the nutrient-sapped, heavy clay soil. The first trees and large edible shrubs were planted well before our moving boxes were unpacked.
My many years of homesteading and experience in landscape architecture helped the homestead take shape quickly. The major elements include larger raised beds, pergola/patio space, in-ground irrigation, crushed rock pathways, and a dilapidated outbuilding rebuilt into a combination chicken coop/garden shed.
After just a few years, everything has grown in much faster than any of my previous urban homesteads. The overall garden design seems more cohesive, thoughtful, and flexible to adapt to the changing needs of our growing family.
Currently the kids spend their time hunting for berries or creating games in the nature-play area. The backyard is an urban oasis for friends and family to gather during our warm weather shindigs. And in the dormant months, it’s my favorite place in the world for quiet contemplation with a hot cup of coffee.
