Rock Crest Renaissance

Mom and I have been hard at work taming the "north slope" for the past several weeks. Our version of "extreme gardening" has included such feats of strength and skill as weed-whacking with a brush hog on a 45 degree slope while trying not to slip down the hill on a river of gravel. We've raked, chopped, pruned and cut, tossing our many tall weeds down below to be gathered.


Also on the hit list was pounding down the many riverbanks that formed during the winter and spring rains, which brought fast cascades of water down the hill, eroding the hillside along the entire length of it. Of course, we're also contending with a hillside that produces its own water, causing the hill to slough off in several places, creating sheer muddy cliffs.

None of this would be too bad were it not for the fact that all the runoff is gathering in the gravel that is supposed to be the barrier between the outside world and the expensive drain tile that runs all along the base of the hill to conduct water away from the house.


So, prep we have. Originally, we were anticipating some excavation to install a trench along the top of the hill to conduct water laterally and prevent the spillage over the top. But, since that was too delayed in getting off the ground, this nice weather prompted us to call in the hydroseeder to work his magic and literally make hay while the sun was shining. We're anticipating sunny days 'til Tuesday, a good window to get this seed a decent footing before something comes to wash it away.


In any case, we were about 90% finished and anticipating the hydroseeding to take place next week, but a fortunate opening led to the hydroseeding being done today! Mom and I rushed to Rock Crest from our shelter duties to find the hydroseeder already setting up for the Big Spray. Dad was working feverishly to knock down the last of the weeds at the tail end of the stream outlet from the hill, and Mom and I sprung into action, clearing the cuttings, raking the debris, and prepping the ground for seed. It was a high-intensity and exhausting hour, but we got our work done just in time to make an acceptable landing pad for the liquid green stuff.

Now that that's over, we've got some light watering to do, and some watching and waiting to see the seeds germinate and begin to hold that soil in place. If it all works as planned, it will be a tremendous relief and protection for so many investments of time and energy we've already planted in that place!