 Gardening has been a part of my life since I can remember. When I was young it was a love/hate relationship. I hated the work but loved the bounty! These days I love it all. I love getting my fingers dirty, watering in the evenings as fireflies light up the sky, and watching veggies grow and thrive. It's so wonderful to be able to walk outside and just pick veggies and herbs for our meals. Brad built a raised garden bed for me years ago and we've enjoyed it immensely. This year I started my garden late. Nothing from seedlings, peas didn't get planted, I forgot about green beans...ah well. I AM enjoying what I did plant though! Kale, collard greens, lettuce mix, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. We're seeing the first buds of jalapenos and the flowers of bell peppers and tomatoes. It's all so exciting and hopeful. |
Lettuce, parsley, and a spunky little tomato plant This was the first year that we used our compost in the garden, and there wasn't much! That stuff really breaks down! I'm feeling good about the compost, though, as a way to walk more gently on the earth. Near future...rain barrels!!!
With limited space and sunshine (we have a lovely and heavily treed property), we've had to get a little creative with our veggies. I've shied away from viney plants like zucchini, cucumbers, pumpkins, etc. due to space, but next year I have plans to do some in pots or boxes because I really want to try them. This is the first summer in over five years that we didn't subscribe to a CSA, so I'm feeling like we're missing out!
This year we also took out our pond. This has been a source of aggravation and joy and arguments and relaxation for YEARS! It got to the point where we could not control the algae and mosquitoes without chemicals and that was never something we felt good about. So, this year seemed like a good year to dig it up and fill it in and the result is something I'm so happy with.
We planted native plants to aid the bees, because no bees = no food for anyone. Natives are easier to grow because they're accustomed to the climate and soil. They are also super awesome for bees and other pollinators, as well as birds and other local wildlife. During my research I stumbled across National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat program and I certified our property!
With limited space and sunshine (we have a lovely and heavily treed property), we've had to get a little creative with our veggies. I've shied away from viney plants like zucchini, cucumbers, pumpkins, etc. due to space, but next year I have plans to do some in pots or boxes because I really want to try them. This is the first summer in over five years that we didn't subscribe to a CSA, so I'm feeling like we're missing out!
This year we also took out our pond. This has been a source of aggravation and joy and arguments and relaxation for YEARS! It got to the point where we could not control the algae and mosquitoes without chemicals and that was never something we felt good about. So, this year seemed like a good year to dig it up and fill it in and the result is something I'm so happy with.
We planted native plants to aid the bees, because no bees = no food for anyone. Natives are easier to grow because they're accustomed to the climate and soil. They are also super awesome for bees and other pollinators, as well as birds and other local wildlife. During my research I stumbled across National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat program and I certified our property!
Our wildlife habitat This year we also took out our pond. This has been a source of aggravation and joy and arguments and relaxation for YEARS! It got to the point where we could not control the algae and mosquitoes without chemicals and that was never something we felt good about. So, this year seemed like a good year to dig it up and fill it in and the result is something I'm so happy with.
We planted native plants to aid the bees, because no bees = no food for anyone. Natives are easier to grow because they're accustomed to the climate and soil. They are also super awesome for bees and other pollinators, as well as birds and other local wildlife. During my research I stumbled across National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat program and I certified our property!
We planted native plants to aid the bees, because no bees = no food for anyone. Natives are easier to grow because they're accustomed to the climate and soil. They are also super awesome for bees and other pollinators, as well as birds and other local wildlife. During my research I stumbled across National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat program and I certified our property!
Wild Sweet William in bloom I Discovered the sweetest urban native plant nursery, Sylvania Natives, and have made several visits already this year. My biggest challenge is to be patient and allow the plants to do their thing. I so want this lush and lovely garden space, but it's still to early to tell how these plants will fill out. The Boneset is huge already and I hope that it's placement is okay because I think she'll be a pretty wild plant. I also recently planted both common milkweed and swamp milkweed for monarch butterflies. Did you know that monarch butterflies only lay eggs on milkweed? And their caterpillars only eat milkweed? It's SO important! You can get free seeds here. I'd love to make seed bombs and just scatter them all around when I'm out driving around or hiking...like a milkweed fairy!
What are you planting? What are your gardening goals? Where do you find inspiration? I'd love to hear from you!
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