Redwood Guild

Food Forest Keepers: Chris and Megan

This food forest garden and greywater system were installed as part of Sustainable Solano’s 2021 Permaculture Design Certificate course, with students transforming the front lawn with rain-capturing swales and planted berms and converting the sprinkler system to drip irrigation. The side yard is watered by a laundry-to-landscape greywater system and also includes edible plants and native pollinators. This home has its own redwood grove, and certain plants were selected that do well in the unique conditions created by redwoods. The food forest keepers are using that knowledge to add other plants to the garden that will thrive alongside the redwoods.

Site Details

Installation Date:

January-April 2021

Size:

1,040 square feet

Sun Exposure:

6-8 hours

Soil:

Clay

Number of Swales:

2

Secondary Water:

Rainwater

Roof water diverted to swales

Laundry-to-landscape greywater

Total annual water impact:

73,549 gallons

Plant List:

PDC Slideshow

This project was funded through the second amendment to the Valero/Good Neighbor Steering Committee Settlement Agreement, Benicia Adult Education, and student fees.