The location for the round house is at the other end of the field from last winter’s attempt. That previous site has become pervasive with poison ivy. The present site has relatively little ivy in the field, but does have jewelweed (along with poison ivy) in the woods bordering the field.
The field slopes gently downhill; the house was placed on the flattest part. After some heavy rains, the experience is that water doesn’t run downhill across the floor of the house, but sinks into the soil. A trench may be needed on the uphill side, to deter rains when the soil has become dry and hard. Experience will tell!