As you can see we've been busy taking away in order to add to the backyard. All of the dirt you see here was once non-native invasive shrubs (we seriously think some of them were man-eating). These things were wicked, thorny, vines and shrubs and we had the excavator pull them out with a back-hoe so that we could put in some more ecologically sound species along the back property line. As much as our friends think we should just put in a set of bleachers and charge admission for the baseball games, we decided against it and will instead put up a privacy fence (think Fenway Park's big green wall) and some native shrubs to give us a softer and more natural look along the property line - without fear that if the kids walk too close to the landscaping that they might get pulled in and swallowed by the vines a la the Robin Williams movie Jumangi.
You can see the wetland pond in the picture if you look closely. There is a white pvc pipe that flows into the pond. We'll be planting wetland trees, shrubs and plants in this area to try and bring in wildlife such as birds, butterflies, dragonflies, frogs, toads, and turtles. We already have some frogs and turtles, along with deer and rabbits!

3 comments:
I just found this blog after reading a blurb on dwell.com and then hitting google.
I'm not sure if "wow" or "awe" is the right word to describe what i've been reading, but whatever it is, it's all good. I keep reading about modern/green homes in California, Washington, New York and even Texas from time to time and my question is always "but what about Ohio!?"
I'm really encouraged by your design and what you've been able to accomplish. My wife and I don't have much of a budget for it, but we would love to do exactly what you've done only on a much smaller scale. Thanks for showing us it's possible!
Dave
PS: we live just 30 minutes to your east in a little town called Winchester.
Hey Dave, welcome! Send me an email at nuttergreenhome@yahoo.com and we'll set up a time for you to come to one of our tours. I'm also going to be giving a sustainable building practices seminar at the house if I get 15 or so people interested. Thanks!
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