New Inspirations
What an enlightening visit we had with the folks from the fence company yesterday. I definitely find myself falling into a trap of treading too lightly when it comes to undoing what is already in place. I tend to focus on what I can add, and shy away from tearing down what currently exists, especially when it comes to trees.
We were given great encouragement to consider removing some of the scrubby trees that have grown in areas set aside for natural drainage. The growth of underbrush in these areas progressively slowed the drainage enough that it has widened out, ultimately taking more area than is needed. If we remove all the growth and put in a narrow array of stone to direct the drainage, we can end up with more useable space and a cleaner look.
What is even more inspiring is, the idea of pulling out the old internal fencing that remains from previous use, which completely opens up possibilities for ways we can redesign a layout that better serves our purposes.
We are pleased with the variety of options for fencing from which we get to choose. We should be able to design something that will be within our budget, serve our needs for containment and safety, and also enhance the appearance of our property. It may not all happen as quickly as we wish it could, but doing it slowly will grant us time to evolve the design in our minds as each stage of progress unfolds. We fully expect to envision more possibilities, once the existing brush and old fence are removed.
It feels a bit unnatural for me to get excited about cutting down natural growth or tearing out a fence that is still in okay condition. It is a great exercise in enabling new creativity. I am inspired! After the visit from the fencing company, I got out in the overgrown pasture land on the diesel tractor and did some mowing with the brush hog.
Logging some time in the tractor seat was a nice way to feel immediate progress from the new inspirations.
Relative Something 
Re: the folks from the fence company yesterday and ‘It feels a bit unnatural for me to get excited about cutting down natural growth or tearing out a fence that is still in okay condition’. I don’t want to repeat myself on this one. Obviously, the company wants you to put in more fences, but, on the other hand, your natural inclinations are also VERY apt. Take time to think things through – maybe, you might reuse the old fence in some form or another. Otherwise, that natural growth may be serving a useful purpose. It is nice to have the means to change things but change has to make ‘natural’ sense.
And now for something different. I was thinking that you might create something completely new and innovative using the manure the horses will produce. It is now that you should work at this. You need to know what you are going to do with the manure… what could be amazing is a ‘magic mountain’ since the land is flat – a highly attractive park area of ornamental plants and trees, promoting diversity and reflecting the need each one of us has to be recognized in his/her own right. In sum, a mountain of ‘equine’ inspiration, that will symbolize, enhance and promote your venture.
On that note, I emptied five big tubs of manure on the John W. Hays Spring Garden this afternoon – it is growing, too!
Ian Rowcliffe
December 2, 2012 at 9:53 am
We talked with the contractor about where we could put our manure management area, and he had great insights on that, too! He has provided this service for others and can incorporate the design into our new layout. We think we will be able to fit it right behind the barn as one good option.
johnwhays
December 2, 2012 at 4:56 pm