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Base Mapping

Permaculture Week 2Connie Flachs

+The Easy Way

I began my basemapping project the easy way, attempting to use Google Earth. However, the program would not let me zoom in close enough on my home. Whenever the scale got below 1”=30’ it would switch to “ground view”. Even if I had been able to zoom in enough, there is too much cover due to trees in the back yard. Finally, many renovations and minor landscaping had been done in the past two years, so the map may not have been completely accurate regardless. I was going to have to measure my property.

+ I found a map from a

professional surveyor that I had been given upon purchasing my home. This map outlined property boundaries and features of the existing home structure. The downsides: The scale was 1” = 20’ and I

needed to create a base map with a scale of 1” = 10’, for my property is not that large!

Landscape features are not marked.

Downspouts and water hookups are not labeled.

+Measuring

I took a measuring tape outside to measure the distance of new features I’ve added since moving in, such as the fire pit, raised bed and planters.

I observed where there are electrical hookups, water hookups, and downspouts on the house.

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+I learned…

I didn’t realize how much space I really do have! My backyard looks large but when plotted on the base map it looks gigantic! My one raised bed takes up hardly an room. Plus I have space on the side of the house and in front that can be used.

+Challenges

I’m not sure how to go about finding my sewer line. I’m sure this exists on the property but don’t know if there are signs to look for or ways to go about discovering it without digging! My guess is that the sewer line is in the back left corner of the house, as that is where both bathrooms are.

+Feelings…

I’m feeling great about my site! Since I’m basically undertaking the landscaping/gardening/homesteading on my own, I really can only do so much and have to keep my goals realistic. It seems like I have more than enough space – if anything I’m overwhelmed by the possibilities my large yard provides me.

I wish I had one more water hook-up on the back right corner of the house. This would make it easier to water the back yard.

I’m intrigued by all the space on the left (south) side of the home. I love the little alcove the fence forms and would like to do something with it. A potting bench? A little herb garden? A small dining table? I do, however, wish that there was a door on that side of the house or that our deck had stair leading down on both sides.