Project Overview
Property dimensions: 330' × 330' aligned to NWSE orientation
Built area: approximately 50' × 50' (oriented 45° to property lines)
Design Philosophy
This permaculture design focuses on sustainable water management in the arid Southern Nevada climate. The system incorporates:
- Passive water harvesting through strategically placed swales
- Multi-tier windbreak system featuring native and adapted species
- Terra preta development zones to build resilient desert soil
- Water-efficient food forest designed for minimum irrigation
- Integrated arroyo management to control flash flooding
Climate Considerations
Southern Nevada presents unique challenges with its:
- Hot, arid climate (Hardiness Zone 8b-9a)
- Average annual rainfall: 4.2 inches
- Summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F
- Strong seasonal winds
- Alkaline, mineral-rich soils with low organic content
Windbreak System
Three-tier windbreak: 20-25' between primary trees, 15-20' for secondary, 10-15' for tertiary species
Multi-Species Approach
The windbreak utilizes a three-tiered approach with staggered planting to create maximum wind protection while providing multiple yields. The design features:
| Tier | Species | Spacing | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary (Outer) | Arizona Cypress, Afghan Pine, Utah Juniper | 20-25' apart | Main wind protection, 15-25' mature height |
| Secondary (Middle) | Desert Willow, Mesquite, Palo Verde, Catclaw Acacia | 15-20' apart | Fill wind gaps, nitrogen fixation, 10-15' mature height |
| Tertiary (Inner) | Wolfberry, Jujube, Desert Hackberry, Graythorn | 10-15' apart | Food production, wildlife habitat, 5-8' mature height |
Southern Nevada Native & Adapted Species
Arizona Cypress (Cupressus arizonica)
Drought-tolerant evergreen reaching 15-25' in height, provides excellent wind protection and privacy screening.
Water needs: Low once established
Benefits: Windbreak, erosion control, provides habitat
Mesquite (Prosopis spp.)
Native leguminous tree with deep taproots. Both honey mesquite (P. glandulosa) and screwbean mesquite (P. pubescens) are suitable.
Water needs: Very low once established
Benefits: Nitrogen fixation, shade, edible pods, honey production
Palo Verde (Parkinsonia spp.)
Iconic desert tree with green bark and bright yellow flowers. Blue Palo Verde (P. florida) and Foothills Palo Verde (P. microphylla) recommended.
Water needs: Low once established
Benefits: Wildlife habitat, shade, ornamental value, nitrogen fixation
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
Deciduous native with beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers that attract pollinators.
Water needs: Low-moderate
Benefits: Pollinator attraction, shade, erosion control
Catclaw Acacia (Senegalia greggii)
Native thorny legume providing excellent wildlife habitat and soil improvement.
Water needs: Very low
Benefits: Nitrogen fixation, wildlife habitat, honey production
Wolfberry (Lycium andersonii)
Native shrub producing nutritious berries similar to goji berries.
Water needs: Very low
Benefits: Edible fruit, wildlife food, erosion control
Desert Hackberry (Celtis pallida)
Hardy native shrub with edible berries and excellent wildlife value.
Water needs: Very low
Benefits: Wildlife habitat, edible fruit, soil stabilization
Graythorn (Ziziphus obtusifolia)
Drought-hardy native shrub with small fruits and thorny protection.
Water needs: Very low
Benefits: Wildlife habitat, erosion control, security barrier
Windbreak Establishment Schedule
For optimal success in the harsh desert environment:
- Plant during fall/winter dormant season (October-February)
- Install deep-watering basins around each tree
- Apply thick mulch (4-6") extending 2' beyond drip line
- Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth
- Protect young trees with shade cloth during first summer
Water Management System
Total water storage: 20,000 gallons (cisterns) + 1,800 gallon pond
Integrated Water Harvesting
The property utilizes multiple water management strategies to maximize capture and storage of this precious desert resource.
Swale System
Six primary contour swales (1.5' deep × 3' wide) with secondary connecting swales (1' deep × 2' wide) to slow, spread, and sink rainwater.
Capacity: ~3,000 gallons per 1" rainfall
Placement: 100' intervals following contour lines
Underground Cisterns
Five underground cisterns strategically placed to collect and store roof runoff and swale overflow.
Total capacity: 20,000 gallons
- C1 (NW): 5000g (8' deep)
- C2 (N): 4000g (7' deep)
- C3 (NE): 4000g (7' deep)
- C4 (W): 4000g (7' deep)
- C5 (E): 3000g (6' deep)
Decorative Pond
Northeast-positioned pond provides wildlife habitat, emergency water storage, and microclimatic cooling.
Dimensions: 15'×12', 4' deep
Capacity: ~1,800 gallons
Features: Wildlife access ramps, emergent vegetation zones
Arroyo Integration
Existing arroyos retained and enhanced with check dams and vegetation to slow erosive flows and increase infiltration.
Main arroyo: 3-4' depth
Secondary arroyo: 2-3' depth
Minor drainage paths: 1-2' depth
Water Distribution System
The property implements a strict water allocation system designed for maximum efficiency in this water-scarce environment:
| Area | Weekly Allocation | Delivery Method |
|---|---|---|
| Food Forest Zone 1 | 8 gallons | Drip irrigation + swale infiltration |
| Food Forest Zone 2 | 8 gallons | Drip irrigation + swale infiltration |
| Food Forest Zone 3 | 8 gallons | Drip irrigation + swale infiltration |
| Terra Preta Zones | 8 gallons | Flood irrigation via swales |
| Emergency Reserve | 25 gallons | Held in reserve for critical needs |
Soil Development - Terra Preta System
Progressive soil development through biochar incorporation and managed organic matter
Building Desert Soils
The design implements a modified terra preta (dark earth) approach adapted for desert conditions. This system builds soil carbon, improves water retention, and establishes beneficial microbial communities.
Terra Preta Zones
Four dedicated zones for progressive soil development through biochar incorporation.
TP Zone 1: First phase (charcoal + compost)
TP Zone 2: Second phase (charcoal + compost)
TP Zone 3: Third phase (charcoal + biomass)
TP Zone 4: Fourth phase (charcoal + biomass)
Biomass Production
Dedicated areas for growing organic material to feed the terra preta system.
Biomass 1: Nitrogen fixers (mesquite, acacia, lupine)
Biomass 2: Fast-growing (sunflower, amaranth, sorghum)
Biomass 3: Deep-rooted (comfrey, cardoon, globe artichoke)
Biomass 4: Nutrient accumulators (yarrow, lambsquarters)
Mulch Production
Six dedicated zones producing mulch materials with various decomposition rates.
Short cycle: Fast-decomposing materials
Medium cycle: Balanced decomposition rate
Long cycle: Slow-release woody materials
Water Collection Points
Micro-basins at swale junctions to concentrate moisture and organic matter.
Strategic locations: At primary/secondary swale intersections
Function: Accelerated soil development nodes
Biochar Production Cycle
The property implements a sustainable biochar production cycle:
- Grow dedicated biomass crops
- Harvest and dry excess woody material
- Produce biochar through controlled pyrolysis
- Charge biochar with compost tea and worm castings
- Incorporate into soil development zones
- Monitor soil carbon, water retention and fertility
Decorative & Functional Features
Gabion walls using local stone create visual interest and functional spaces
Gabion Wall System
Utilizing local stone enclosed in wire mesh creates decorative landscape elements that enhance the modern desert aesthetic while providing multiple functions.
Main Entry Feature
Curved gabion walls flanking the southern entrance create a welcoming approach.
Dimensions: 15' length each, 3' height tapering to 2'
Stone: Local sandstone and volcanic rock mixture
Corner Landscape Elements
Decorative gabion curves at property corners provide visual anchoring.
Dimensions: 20' curved segments, 2-3' height
Stone: Contrasting dark and light native stone
Swale Reinforcement
Small gabion segments reinforce key swale points and prevent erosion.
Dimensions: 5-8' segments, 1-2' height
Stone: Angular local stone for stability
Pond Edge Feature
Curved gabion segment along pond edge creates visual interest and seating.
Dimensions: 12' curved segment, 18" height
Stone: Smooth river rock with desert accent stones
Native Accent Plants
Decorative native plants complement the structural elements while requiring minimal water:
Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus)
Striking cylindrical cactus with yellow-red spines, perfect for accent planting.
Water needs: Minimal
Placement: Gabion surrounds, sunny exposures
Mojave Yucca (Yucca schidigera)
Architectural desert plant with dramatic flower stalks and edible uses.
Water needs: Very low
Placement: Corner features, entry focal points
Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata)
Bright yellow wildflower providing seasonal color and pollinator support.
Water needs: Low
Placement: Gabion surrounds, path edges
Blackfoot Daisy (Melampodium leucanthum)
White daisy-like flowers bloom much of the year, attracting beneficial insects.
Water needs: Very low
Placement: Gabion surrounds, swale edges