A Dwelling Place

These photos are the first taken of our new home...our new dwelling place.

There are aged Boulders and Rocks...some covered in my old friend, Moss. And there are Trees...many, many Trees.

Apparently, there is a view of the entire Borland Valley...prime viewing, indeed. But, in order to see it, I will be required to sacrifice a few Trees. A daunting prospect; taking down Trees will be a difficult decision for me.

Graham will be building a Wood Shop; there will be some clearing done then. The Trees that must be removed will be used for fencing, showing their usefulness and beauty long after their lives have ended.

There is still much Snow lying in drifts, making walking any distance away from the house slippery and difficult. The Snow makes it difficult, too, for me to grasp how I might want to landscape...photos of the land in Summer and Autumn depict an entirely different land than the one I see today.

At one time, a small creek ran beside the house. I suspect development and diversion have taken it away. I imagine steps taking me down into a dry creek bed, planted here and there with ferns and mosses, as it will be in deep shade, across from the North entry to the house.

And there is the West side of the house, one of two spots chosen for the new Shop. There are many, many Trees there...some starved for Light, growing lank and spindly. Care will have to be lavished on this wonderful, unused area, to which I could feel the beginnings of attachment to the land.

The West side is underused and ignored, yet the whispers of energy were strongest here. Because of all the Trees, it is in deep shade, with those Mossy Boulders...the kind which look and feel as if they have the wisdom of the Ages deep within.

I questioned the previous owner...where would she plant Apple Trees, if she were me? Pleased to be asked, she elaborated on her favourite spot for Fruit Trees, where she had always intended to plant them, and which kinds. She would situate them on the lower South bench, she said...there is much Sun there.

The East Side of the house is the first face to be seen, from the driveway. It is the second choice for the Wood Shop, but it is a prime area for a Vegetable garden, as well. Close to the house, there might be a slim chance the Animal Browsers won't bother with it, especially if it has an eight foot fence around it. There are stairs which would lead me directly to the Vegetables, just off the deck. This, too, is where I would place the compost bin...inside the garden's fence. Compost, especially during fruit season, draws Bears, but it is such a valuable part of gardening, it would be difficult to leave it out.

And in the North entryway, which has yet to be planned out, I want to introduce Hosta, Hydrangea and Sword Fern. I plan on researching different Vines and their hardiness. They will be used to soften the edges of the entry, with trellises.

I want to plant daffodils throughout; it will take me years. But one day, those golden heads, with their distinctive scent, will herald Spring throughout this new Forest.

There are many, many wild plants here, both strange and familiar...Groundcovers, Shrubs and Trees. I will utilize them everywhere; I love to use wildlings. They are tough and strong and know the climate...and they usually feed the Animal Browsers with Berries. I am told there are many Saskatoon Berry bushes dotted here and there. Spring will be the time of discovery.

There will be changes to the interior of the home...a new kitchen, wood floors and painting...general redecorating...will take up my time, for awhile.

I look forward to quiet times on the deck, overlooking the Forest, when indoor chores overwhelm. With a cup of Tea and my binoculars close at hand. In this way, eventually, I will know the Birds, the Trees and the Animals that make this land their home.

And, exactly like this. over the Summer's season, will this dwelling, tucked into its own Forest, become part of me, joining my Soul.

Just as all the other Land I have had the privilege of caretaking for Spirit has.