The Terrace

The Terrace was constructed in the middle of winter, digging and levelling the frozen earth by hand. A headgate is built beneath it that allows water from the river into an irrigation ditch, or acequia, which flows along the edge of the woodlands and feeds a neighbor's pond. There are many ferns, including native ferns I collected from the mountains, and other plantings along the acequia. The circular patterns of stone on the terrace adds interest and beauty. The bench adds to the serenity and invites contemplation. The spillway, which is barely visible, creates a cascade as well as diverting water into the headgate.