Blitz 145 in Pascoe Vale
The Six States of Permablitz: An emotional journey through the blitz day.
First there’s the three E’s; excitement, enthusiasm, energy.
The sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky as a veritable army trickled into the Pascoe Vale property. We all agreed the small blossoms on the apricot tree and a warm lightness to the air were heralding the new season to come. Getting down to work we picked up shovels and spades and forks. “We need to clear the whole yard of the grass” they said. “No problem” we said.
Then came the calm resolve. A time of solid work and contemplation ensued. We dug, and picked, and scraped, and pushed, and wheeled, scalped and dug again. Some drilled, and nailed, and ripped, and carried, and planted, and raked. We marvelled at such a generous turn out of willingness and friendliness.
Knowledge and nourishment came just in the nick of time as we recharged on homemade soup and salad and pies and pastries as Dylan and Jo explained the details and meaning behind the design. This included a new chicken coop and run extending down to the mini food forest along the back wall and a series of Mandala beds for the rotation of annuals and compost. Several workshops were held during the afternoon on planting and pruning a fruit tree, creating a grey water mulch pit (complete with banana circle), and a DIY hot compost tower (much like a spud tower only portable).
Then the afternoon slump. “We said we’d scalp how much turf??”. With a belly full of food, the hot sun beating down and a mountain of cardboard between us and completion of the path the persistence factor was waning. Tired, achy, this is were my fellow blitzers come into their own.
Solidarity! We can do this! And when we do there will be a beautiful patch of food producing, efficient, multi-function, earth-loving backyard!
Satisfaction as we leave behind transformation. A new beginning. A little patch of hope for years to come. A good appetite and night’s sleep to follow.
That’s what it feels like to do a permablitz.
Want to see the gallery of the day? Of course you do! (All pics were taken by the talented Kellie Gollings Photography – they’re pretty good…) Check it out here!
