Chapter 8
I remember talking to a friend after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in the San Francisco Bay Area. This 7.1 temblor shook us hard and left us feeling disoriented and shell-shocked. My friend experienced an amazing reaction that she described as primal and instinctive: after she caught her breath, she went outside and felt a compelling urge to put her hands in the soil and plant in her garden. I’ve noticed something magical about working in the garden.
The smell of fresh earth, the warmth of the sun on my back, and the physical exertion all reaffirm my presence in the natural world. It is grounding, centering, and rewarding at the same time. Building your new garden, or simply planting and tending a few plants can afford you the same benefit.
Are you ready? It is time to put on your jeans and boots, grab your shovel, and go outside to begin installing your new eco-friendly front yard. You have your master plan and your plants and materials and are ready to receive the reward of your creative efforts. First, you will want to have a clear game-plan: know how much time you have budgeted for the various tasks and what to do in what order. (Read on for a step-by-step guide.)
Once you complete your work, turn to page 258 to learn how to care for your new garden in an environmentally sensitive manner.
