the land

It actually begins with the lane to the land. Created for logging trucks decades ago, Beau Vista Lane is now shared by five rural property owners adjacent to the 580-acre Bodega Ridge Park. The road-side Scotch broom was both a nuisance and fire hazard, so in October 2020 we began removing it one weekend at a time. We lost count somewhere after twenty-two pickup truck loads!

the driveway

The old road was cleared and reinforced in preparation for the house’s arrival in June 2021. A culvert was added to channel away the tiny trickle of surface water, which will become a future pond and water source for the local birds and (hopefully) native frogs and newts!

the main meadow

Even after removing three heaps of broom, this open space still looks a bit woolly! The ferns and salal will be preserved while the thistles and reedy grasses are trimmed back.

the house site

It was challenging to minimize the house’s impact to the land while making the most of the beautiful view.

the east meadow

The eventual pond site. Water naturally collects in this area, keeping the native grass looking lush and healthy year-round.

the west meadow

The old logging road continues, now flanked by sword ferns and nettles. Our first “lasagne gardening” project is underway here, creating a sting-free path along Beau Vista Meadows’ west border. More photos to come soon.

the woodlands

The east and west borders of Beau Vista Meadows are woodsy and ferny. Trees are a mix of noble fir, western red cedar, bigleaf maple, and a dominating presence of aging alders. They provide soil nutrients, protection, and shade to sword ferns, mosses, lichen, and fungi.