What a wonderful story.
I have rocks held together with clay...with tree roots. Compost with coffee grounds and egg shells helps. Earthworms have made a huge difference in the soil. I tried small localized lasagna gardening when I extended my garden. (I put newspapers down and put dirt on top as I dug each hole). It seemed to help. I would need a backhoe to get holes as large as those dug. Lasagna gardening is much easier than removing grass.
I wear hats. I don't care if other people do.
