We get a lot of rain runoff from the roof of the house flooding the lawn surrounding it

So we are surrounding the whole area around our house with swales to turn a problem into a solution.

This is a new swale bed we're putting in. It's right outside the living room window so we'll plant in herbs and flowers and be able to see it from the house.

Gardening with swales conserves water and reduces your workload, especially if you use perennials.

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Digging the swales on contour with the land. Looking good.

Digging on contour collects and slows down water, concentrates fertility and prevents erosion even in a heavy downpour.

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Mulching the burms with straw.

Mulching reduces weeding and evaporation, increases organic matter in the soil and promotes worms and soil biota.

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Chives ready to go in the beds along the edges.

Chives repel pests and keep the grass from creaping into the swale. I use chives every day in everything

Rosemary started from cutting. It smells so good.

Spearmint started from seed.

Who doesnt like fresh mint tea? In fact, I think I'll have some right now.

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Geoff Lawton made this short video that explains Swales perfectly.

Go on, watch it.

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Thanks for reading my post and Steem On.

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