@Appelmoesje @givenup How does the water table factor in here? I'm assuming that land with multiple ponds would have a high water table, so building partially in a hill creates potential (although not a guarantee of) flood and hydrostatic pressure challenges? Perhaps land management and even the use of thirsty shade trees near the home can mitigate this. What do you know about slope modification organically or without heavy machines? I've heard of using straw and manure to build artificial hills; a season of wildflowers and normal ecological creep is usually all it takes to get things moving. Also using straw in ponds to change pH and other beneficial effects to change water to be more potable. I've heard of using logs in soil to increase micronutrients because fungi will digest the damp wood and release underground. I want to learn more about synergistic planting.