Tuesday 1 March 2011

Our Backyard Labyrinth

Every summer for many years, My Rare One has grown peas, carrots, string beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cukes and zukes in her backyard garden plot. But then, three years ago, she decided instead to try something different in that spot -- a labyrinth!

Sacred geometry fascinates My Rare One. And what is a labyrinth but an exercise in sacred geometry? She set her design skills to work. There were two complicating factors in designing a labyrinth for that space:

1. The garden plot is L-shaped and alas, there's not enough room for a round labyrinth. But who says labyrinths must be round? Using various labyrinth models, My Rare One extrapolated a unicursal path that fit the unusual shape.

2. What could we use for the labyrinth walls? Since the labyrinth would not be permanent, our materials must be temporary, cheap and easy to install. I'm proud to say that I came up with the solution:

Off we went to the store and bought a gazillion packages of parsley seed. My Rare One mapped the path with string and stakes. She planted the parsley. We waited. And waited. And then . . . our beautiful Parsley Labyrinth was born!

Tomorrow -- photos!

26 comments:

Lois said...

That's sweet! In Hagersville where we lived in a huge old house for 8 years we had a kidney shaped labyrinth we used old bricks to mark. Over the summer the bricks sunk into the grass so husband could mow over them. it was a small walk, but lovely. :) Looking forward to the photos! Lois

Cameron said...

What...wait...Tommorow photos??? Argh! That was evil! You know already we're fans here...you don't have to tease us to get us to read! Grrrrr! I am absolutely charmed by the idea - indeed, we've kicked around the same idea here and might yet pursue it. The parsely is an inspired idea...nice and thick and green! Can't wait to see it! Tomorrow...*grumble* can't believe you did that. Your only excuse is you're out there getting pictures fast!

Elena said...

So cool! I've been staring at a patch of ground I want to make into a labrynth but unsure of what to use. I thought rocks I could swipe from the beach. Hmmm I wonder if the animals would eat the parsley. Can't wait to see pics.

Jeanne said...

How fun!! Can't wait for the photos...
How big an area was this in?

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Hi Jeanne -- I suck at spatial estimates so all I can say is "quite large" but L-shaped. I hope tomorrow's pictures give a better idea.

Hi Cameron -- Yes, mea culpa! In the grand tradition of tease, "always leave them wanting more." I'm milking our labyrinth for posts all the rest of this week!

mxtodis123 said...

What a fascinating idea! I can't wait to see the photos.
Mary

Suzie said...

You love those cliff-hangers, don't you? Tease, tease, tease. .I'll bet you are a real joy to be around before holidays and birthdays. LOL (you're worse than I am!)

I've seen Celtic knots planted in different herbs, and am very anxious to see your own labyrinth.

And now what do you do for fresh veggies? Do you have a good farmer's market, or do you have to rely upon grocery store produce?

jaz@octoberfarm said...

great idea! can't wait to see it. i predict lots of tabouli in your future!

BugginWord said...

"Unicursal?" That sounds like one of the evil vampire spells in Demi Moore's arsenal.

Cindy said...

Can't wait to see the photos, have you always been interested in labyrinth?

35jupe said...

I LOVE this! You and your rare one are so brilliant.

I am so looking forward to being able to garden. (We'll see whether it's this year or next.)

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Hi Suzie -- We still have a bit of room to grow cukes, zukes and tomatoes but everything else: farmers market or Safeway!

Hi Cinner -- Yes, I've been into labyrinths for about 14 years now. The "labyrinth" label at the bottom of my post links to the rest of my posts outlining my fascination with them!

laughingwolf said...

coolios... so long as it ain't cilantro!

Anonymous said...

That is an awesome idea! Thadd want to do something like that with our garden this year...I'll have to study your pictures carefully ;-)

Kathy said...

I can't wait to see it! You've really piqued my interest in labyrinths.

fromsophiesview said...

Loves me parsley..I eats it whenever I can..seriously...greens...mmm!

C said...

ohhhhhh sounds wonderful :) cant wait to see the pics tomorrow x

mermaid gallery said...

I have often thought of making one myself...this should be interesting....

yellowdoggranny said...

I'm going to see if the city would be interested in putting one in for us old folks..

Travis Erwin said...

Finally, I hear of a good use for green leafy matter.

CorvusCorax12 said...

oh i can't wait for the pictures...what a great idea

Dancing With Fey said...

That sounds fantastic. I look forward to the pics! :)

Anonymous said...

Your Rare One? Is a genius! A parsley labyrinth... GENIUS. You are very cruel to make us wait for photos *pout*

Mistress Maddie said...

Now this I have to see! If it is made of all veggies, a healthy ladyrinth too!!!

young-eclectic-encounters said...

Delightful creative idea- I just love the idea of making it a living Labyrinth. Can't wait to see the pics

Miss Robyn said...

*sigh*, I just love this - your rare one sounds like my type of girl.. Sacred Geometry - a sign of the Magdalenes.
did you ever get one of those earth healing discs, created by Sr.K? - if not, send me your postal address and I will send one to you.
[I am thinking of re-opening the Earth Healing blog. when I come home]