What types of plants are grown in the garden?

Various fruits, vegetables, berries, and herbs.

How do chickens contribute to the garden?

Aid in soil preparation and weed control.

Use of leaf mulch, compost toilet, and gray water system.

Radiant heat stones and rainwater collection tank.

Yard waste buildup and use of bamboo windbreak.

The property in Corvallis, initially a simple lawn, has been transformed into a diverse garden featuring a wide array of plants, fruit trees, and even grapevines, showcasing sustainable gardening practices and a commitment to self-sufficiency.
Innovative strategies such as using leaf mulch for soil enrichment, rotating chickens for soil preparation, and incorporating a compost toilet and gray water system highlight a holistic approach to sustainability, blending elements of permaculture, resource conservation, and ecosystem management within the urban landscape.

What types of plants are grown in the garden?
Various fruits, vegetables, berries, and herbs.
How do chickens contribute to the garden?
Aid in soil preparation and weed control.
What sustainable practices are implemented in the garden?
Use of leaf mulch, compost toilet, and gray water system.
What unique features are present in the greenhouse?
Radiant heat stones and rainwater collection tank.
How is the property's soil enriched over time?
Yard waste buildup and use of bamboo windbreak.

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Corvallis is home to Oregon State University, with a suburban feel and a population of 60,000.
The property, initially a grassy lawn with rose bushes, now features a diverse garden with artichokes, celery, and fruit trees like fig, cherry, peach, and Asian pear.
A grapevine, planted a decade ago, now spans the sidewalk, offering grapes for passersby.
Hazelnut trees, thornless blackberries, and native berries like thimbleberries contribute to the garden's bounty.
The garden showcases a variety of plants, including plums, persimmons, comfrey for grass suppression, and hazelnuts.
Chickens are rotated between different garden areas, aiding in soil preparation and weed control.
Leaf mulch from neighbors is used to enrich the soil, with the chickens assisting in weed suppression and soil fertility.
The garden's design incorporates archways, low trees for solar access, and a mix of flowers for pollinators.
Beekeeping is a passion, with three hives currently thriving, providing honey for personal use.
The property also features emergency food supplies like Jerusalem artichokes, a hedge of pineapple guava, and a greenhouse with diverse plants like meyer lemon, succulents, and tree tobacco.

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Greenhouse in Tucson, Arizona designed for dry land planting to conserve water and create a microclimate.
Meyer lemon tree in the greenhouse produces around 100 lemons in winter due to the shelter from extreme cold.
Radiant heat from stones and rainwater collection tank help maintain warmth in the greenhouse during snowstorms.
Greenhouse structure made from old carport frame and windows, providing a comfortable environment even in hot weather.
Temperature exchange between greenhouse and chicken nest boxes, with eggs collected daily.
Compost toilet built using simple bucket and sawdust method, promoting nutrient cycling and sustainability.
Laundry gray water system utilizes wetland plants like cattails and sedges for treatment, creating a beautiful and functional wastewater system.
Yard waste used to build up the property, creating a spongy soil layer rich in organic matter over a decade.
Bamboo planted as a windbreak and for practical use in fencing and trellising, managed to prevent spreading.
Shed converted into an office space overlooking the garden, providing a seamless work-play relationship and close monitoring of garden activities.