Friday, March 26, 2010

New Flower Beds

We finally finished digging and making new flower beds in the front yard. We dug out a half circle on each side of the driveway as you turn in. I just thought the area really needed something to spruce up the yard. The flowers of course are small and most of it consists of bulbs which will take at least a season or two to show what they are really about.  I don't mind, because I know that it will look good in the end.

Row 5: Hollyhock bulb and Unknown tuber (produces a white flower)

Row 4:  Gladiolus

Row 3:  Acidanthera

Row 2:  Ribbon Mix Snapdragon (yellow), Lady In Red Salvia, Wizard Select Mix Coleus (yellow), and regualr Coleus

Row 1:  Alyssum (purple and white)

Look Who Came To Visit My Garden...

I know we have to live with nature and that means animals of all kinds, but I was not real happy to see this cute furry creature visiting me. All I could envision was my entire garden being consumed. I am happy to say that I am glad that it was not a different animal like the kind that crawls only on their bellies (shhhh, I can't even say the name, let alone spell it). However, I have been trying to catch it (I borrowed a live trap and of course it no longer comes out from where ever it is). I would feel more comfortable before we fix the loose dirt around the back fence to my garden that it is gone. The first time I saw it was when it was coming in and out of the last raised pallet bed that I created (stacked 2 pallets high, I am taking by built beds to the ground so that I don't lose a lot of moisture in the summer and try to keep as much heat in the winter).

I thought I was smart by stapling weed cloth on the bottom of the bottom pallet to prevent grass from growing into it that I forgot about the 2 slits on top of the pallet that were just big enough for the rabbit to get in and out of. I also made the mistake of purchase 2"X4" wire to fence in my garden and not securing the eroded dirt from the back privacy fence. I should have used the smallest size fencing available (I was originally trying to keep my dogs out, go figure). Since this video was taken I have only seen the rabbit once. I hope it got out and is living a great life away from my garden.

I am really trying to make sure the rabbit has a better life outside of my garden and yard, but I think in the next week or so, I am still going to fix the back fence, because I can’t take the raised bed down, until the cool season crops are all out, dirt removed from the bed in order to lift the thing to get rid of the pallets. Or maybe I can find about 6 real strong people, who like saving cute furry animals, to help lift it while it is full. UMMMMM, maybe not.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Building A Garden Enclosure With Windows

When I read this article, I thought how ingenious this is. You are recycling and at the same time, you are making your garden see through to really show off your masterpiece at work. Now go figure. WOW amazing. This totally adds character and whimsy to your garden. If you think about it, you can dress it up and really make it your own....curtains anyone, seasonal changes. The way this person did this is beautiful.

http://www.grow1world.com/2010/02/live-simply-and-save-money-old-window.html

Growing Vegetables In Part Shade

I honestly always thought vegetables had to be grown in full sun, however, after reading this article it shed "a new light" for me.  If there is a way to make my greens last a little bit longer before they bolt, hey that is great.  I have several areas of my garden that could house greens and give them part shade.  I will definitely consider this for my next growing season.  I pretty much have my plan mapped out for this growing season.

I really like their philosophy...
a good rule to remember is that if you grow a plant for the fruit or the root, it needs full sun. If you grow it for the leaves, stems, or buds, a little shade will be just fine.
I can tell you that I have not heard this before and I wonder if this concept is a given.  Oh well something to add to my GARDENING NEED TO KNOW.  Enjoy the article.

http://organicgardening.about.com/od/vegetablesherbs/a/shadeveggies.htm

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