Next Big Project

Since the wildflower area next to the garage is more of a weed patch and I can't really see it to enjoy it over there anyway, I'm prepping this area to move the good stuff into in a couple months. The fountain grasses and Russian sage seemed kind of lonely.


I've put down a layer of cardboard and a few layers of newspaper, followed by some composted manure and some peat humus. Mulch is next, but there is only so much room in the trunk!

Rabbit-Safe Farming

This year, I've moved the "farm" out into the sunnier area of the yard. Since I'm not around to keep the rabbits out all day, nor do I want to put fencing all over, the hanging baskets are a decent alternative. Except that you do have to water more often.

Last year I had most of the baskets hanging on the old swingset. But, it was in the shade, not to mention just plain ugly. Besides, the squirrels were still getting into the baskets from the trees above. Planting acorns! The swingset met its match last weekend in my brother-in-law's sawzall (I want one of my own now!) and my city's trash pickup.

Most of my seedlings didn't make the transition to outdoors, but a few may yet make it among the purchased plants. This year's collection includes Rainbow Swiss Chard, a variety of lettuces, cherry tomatoes, basil, dill, and a variety of peppers. Also, the little bay tree did just fine in the kitchen over the winter, and is back out in the sun.

Apples?

Check out the little baby apples. It is a Gala tree--coincidentally one of my favorite apple varieties, even though it was here when I bought the house. The cold snap didn't seem to bother this tree, but I'm checking for worms everyday!

Hazelnut Home

Here's where the hazelnuts will go this fall. The bed is getting warmed up for them thanks to layers of paper, compost, manure, and mulch. The little tree will keep them company, too!

Hazelnut Project

I recently received three hazelnut tree seedlings as part of the Arbor Day Foundation's Hazelnut Project. Given the small size of the trees, I've planted them in pots for their first summer here. So far, two of the three have leaves. Meanwhile, I'm in the process of preparing a planting area for them where I'll transplant them in the fall.

Tulips' Progress

It seems that planting all those tulip bulbs last fall was worth the effort.

Survival of the Fittest

Many of my seedlings are struggling, but the lupine and the tomatoes seem to be holding their own. I read that basil and tomatoes are good companion plants (not to mention dining complements!) so I added some to the container.

From a couple weeks ago:

Today:


We're still a couple weeks shy of the last frost date, hopefully these will be ready to go outside by then!

Patience, Rhubarb Takes A While...

The rhubarb is here, waiting under the dirt! Finally found a use for all the broken siding pieces the former owners left behind, too.

No harvest until at least next year, but the plants should emerge soon. Gladiolas are planted between the bed and the fence, for a mix of heights later in the summer...