As a permaculture project, the sun factor is full sun except early morning and late afternoon. The water factor is a gentle enough slope that erosion is not a problem. However the thick loess type soil holds water and remains squishy for many days after a heavy rain.

I've noticed that when there is snow, the area under the trees is apparently a bit warmer. In the summer heat, the area under the two junipers is markedly cooler.

What kind of grass is appropriate within a permaculture framework? It currently is an open grassy area infrequently used for bonfires and dancing or sport type activities of humans and sometimes the deer. Lots of insects live there, as well as moles and voles.

The rain that falls near the cedars in the SW corner flows to the north, east and west. The highest point on the property is somewhere in the area of the barn, shed, and these two cedars.

To provide appropriate capture of this free water, I need to come down a few feet below the crest and build some contour line swales that will become the locations of the various circle and spiral plant guilds. But I think those will be at the very edge, defining a new big field for human use.