On March 6th Urban Green and the Swaisgood family teamed up with about 10 volunteers to continue implementing our sustainable front yard design. The day was overshadowed with the chance for rain and eventually we did get wet but not before we accomplished all we had set out to do.
The plan was to clear the yard to pave the way for the rest of our work to be done on future work days. This meant removing existing hardscape elements and debris including removing brick headers laid in concrete, removing the existing lighting components, and removing the large mound of mulch remaining from their removed trees. We also broke up and removed a paver walkway at the side yard and we removed all of the existing turf with a sod cutter. It was hard work but everyone had a great time learning.
With sustainability at the forefront of our efforts we tried to minimize sending anything to the dump. The bricks and pavers will all be re-used either on site, sold/given away or or otherwise recycled. The mulch was given to one of our faithful volunteers (it pays to help out on our projects, you never know what you might come away with for free). The old lighting elements will unfortunately need to be thrown away and the sod was not in a condition to be sold or given away either.
We finished up the day with a nostril burning trip to the dump to unload our sod cuttings and Janice was given the homework assignment of rototilling the yard. As I understand she tilled the front yard will gusto the very next day and the stage has been set for our next steps. In the coming days and weeks we will be removing the existing irrigation system, grading the yard and bio-swale, installing drainage components and new irrigation system. Our goal is to have everything ready to plant the garden in April or May with a big volunteer and education event teamed up with our partner Sustainable Scripps Ranch and all of our sponsors.
Special thanks to all of our volunteers, big thanks to Navid Mostatabi of Mostatabi & Associates for your expertise and BJs Rentals for helping us out with equipment rental.
Sponsor update: So far we have our irrigation system and smart controller donated by Rainbird, bio-swale plantings donated by Green Meadow Growers, and various native plantings donated by Miramar Nursery. Stay tuned for further sponsor updates and work day opportunities!
