2 CAT FARM
2 CAT FARM is an urban permaculture experiment on a tenth of an acre lot in South Minneapolis.
With a small site, the importance of density and efficiency become paramount. Practical considerations such as access and storage have to be weighted against functional desires of food production and aesthetic aspirations of Eden.
At 2 Cat Farm, we chose to prioritize the following:
- perennial fruit crops
- annual veggies
- mushroom production
- chickens (laying hens)
- maintaining “curb appeal” in the front yard
- enhancing privacy in the backyard
- outdoor patio and fire pit areas for entertaining and relaxing
Next, we began studying the site to see how our priorities might best integrate into the existing landscape.
SITE Analysis
We started by thinking about the “macro site energies” running through the site. In this example, we explored the effects of Sun, Wind, Neighbors, & Road Noise. A few takeaways from this analysis are below:
SUN CATCHMENT:
The site’s long axis runs east-west, giving it a nice exposure to the south. Tall elements placed on the south side of the lot will cast shade on elements further to the north. Thus, the shape of the lot, location of the sun, and presence of a taller existing home already to the south, informs us to place tallest elements in the design along the north property line, followed by the medium height elements, followed, by lower elements — generally speaking. This provides maximum sun catchment & plant density, while also helping to create a privacy wall along the north property line.
The north side of the home gets almost no direct sun, so this area will be reserved for elements that do not require sunlight, such as mushrooms and storage items such as firewood.
Utilize a “Sun Ramp” to maximize sun catchment and plant density
SIGHT LINES & PRIVACY:
In an urban context, creating an oasis where you can almost forget you are in the city or 20ft away from a neighbor can be extremely valuable. To accomplish this, we’ve introduced taller elements at the boundaries of the property in strategic locations — green elements such as trees, shrubs, & trellises but also built elements such as our chicken coop and tool wall.
In our opinion there is a balance to privacy: you want enough to not feel exposed but not so much that you can no longer see out at all or have completely shut down possible positive interactions with neighbors.
Our tool wall is part storage, part privacy, part visual block from our alley bins, part trellis for winter squash, and home to our farm sign.
SITE BLOCKING
The next step in our process was to map out the highest level groupings of design elements. We feel it is important to take this kind of methodical “top down” approach when designing a site, otherwise individual elements can easily become stranded without a connection to the greater whole.
Each “block” is not necessarily meant to be exclusive. If a block is labeled “PERENNIAL FRUITS” it doesn’t mean there can’t also be an ornamental tree or some flowers in it; the key idea is to simply to define a general theme or primary intent for a given space.
We went through multiple iterations of this Site Blocking exercise to land on the version illustrated above. Each time, we used our original list of priorities and the site analysis as the metrics on which to judge the effectiveness of each design. How well did this design meet each of our list of priorities and why? How well did this design meet the needs of the site and why? Having the patience to step through this line of thinking multiple times can make a profound difference in the end result of your design. In our opinion, this can be the most important step in producing a highly refined and effective solution that you’ll be happy with for years to come.
InvolvemEnt
My wife Christine Utz and I have used 2 Cat Farm as a blank canvas for experimentation. Doing all of the work ourselves, we’ve gone on to fill it with as many plant and animals as we could reasonably fit into our small city lot.
After 5 years, we are extremely pleased with the results. Our outdoor spaces have become a beautiful place to relax with friends and family while also providing much of the food we need to prepare meals to share with them.
We get great satisfaction in being able to take an active part in the food system while increasing soil health, water retention, pollination, and biodiversity.