Man Cave? I'd Rather Be In My Backyard Oasis!

This post was inspired by What the #%*&! Is Permaculture by @agsurrection, who in the post included an interesting idea I had never heard before -- that one part of permaculture is "a lovely place to sit on a warm evening and watch the sunset in your back yard, all the while providing you with growing food." And "The best part of permaculture for me is the fact that it can be applied loosely or tightly, on a patio or a million acre plot of land."

Well, I have a fairly small suburban yard, and it fits the above description quite well. We grow a fair amount of food, although I could do better. And it is our tranquil place to prepare meals and enjoy them, surrounded by the fruit of our labor and a few chickens. I have been working on the #permaculture of our yard for about ten years now, with much of that time spent selecting and locating drought tolerant plants, enriching the soil, and caring for lots of fruit trees, bushes and vines, but this was a big addition that made all that hard work something we could live within, while enjoying some of our best family time.

The idea for an outdoor kitchen nestled in our garden came during a trip to my wife's aunt's house on Guemes Island in the Pacific Northwest. We spent more time outside than in, and enjoyed one delicacy after another in that perfect northwest climate. Aunt Mary is a great chef, and she also taught us how to make paella on the fire pit, and that just boosted the inspiration.

As I set to work designing our space, I knew I wanted a patio at ground level, so that we could be enveloped by the plants we grow, and move easily in and out of the space. I began the project by excavating a bit to build a solid wood foundation.

From there I installed a deck, and then a pergola.

Don't tell my wife, but in truth, I really just needed a canoe rack but things got a little out of control :) But the canoe is an excellent counter top and bar!

In order to make the patio more usable in mid summer, I added a UV corrugated plastic roof. It is simply amazing how much cooler it is even in direct sun. And it still allows plenty of light. We grow grape vines that trail up the posts and spread out under the roof, dangling big bunches of grapes over the dining area. Its kind of amazing.

Here are closeups of the fire pit . . .

and the raised vegetable and herb beds. I love having herbs growing next to the kitchen.

We grow hop vines all along the fence which adds a great sun shade in the evenings, and really adds to the effect of being surrounded by lush green.

And here are some of our chickens enjoying a walk around the beds.

Here are our rolling composters that help process all the amazing chicken manure we get.

And chickens and boy under one of the apple trees.

Momma is definitely not okay with this situation!

The big canoe (and the cat) can get stored up high for more space on the deck.

And finally, here are some happy people enjoying the space . . .

. . . while waiting for . . .

Paella!!!

Feel free to ask any questions about building something like this in your own back yard.