It’s been a busy last few days in the garden. I fired up Manny and worked on tilling up the soon to be flower bed area in the front garden and have been pleasantly surprised at how good the soil is.
Good soil and lots of worms sure make growing flowers and vegetables a whole lot easier. I’ll probably still bring in some compost {from where I don’t know yet} to build up the beds but things are looking good so far.
We ended up building a small, gradual retaining wall along the front fence with some of the pavers we recycled from the previous garden bed. And you know what? I think it turned out pretty good. We also cut out a 24″ section of grass along the front of the fence where we plan on installing a hydrangea border for a nice pop of color.
Yesterday the HH installed a nice {recycled} granite marker just under the garden gate where the garden path will start. We still haven’t decided what the path will be made out of but I think we’re leaning towards a worn red brick path.
The previous owners {or most likely the ones before them} had giant pavers and pea gravel for a path leading to the front porch, but it seemed kind of dreary to me so maybe a brick path might be a better choice. We’ll see.
It was a lot of work, but yesterday the HH was able to dig up all the pea gravel and so now I’ll be able to stare at the space for a few days and decide.
Here’s a picture of what the garden space looked like just before he dug up all the pea gravel.
The fence is in, and I’ve decided on what flowers I’ll be planting along the borders and so now all that’s left to do is figure out where to position the raised {vegetable} garden beds {and install a border for those} and to figure out the shape and what to use for the path from the garden gate to the front porch.
I figure at rate we’re going, I should be able to start planting by the end of the month. YEE-HAW!
Gardening season, it’s finally here! And I am pumped. 🙂
How’s YOUR garden doing these days? Is the ground still frozen, or have you started digging already? Curious minds want to know. 🙂
Have a good one,
~Mavis
Christie says
Looking good! I’m impressed with how far you’ve gotten already! I managed to plant my beets, peas, radish and onions this weekend and tore out one side of the raised bed that was rotted. Next weekend I’ll replace that board and mulch the rest of the garden with straw. I’m so happy gardening season is here!
Glenna says
We have tilled and dug out our paths between the 8 mini beds (and amended per planned veggies). Added newspaper and straw to all the walkways and have the snow peas, lettuce, beets, onions (and garlic from fall) all growing. Carrots sprouts are In progress and will go in on Friday I think. My office window looks like a small jungle with the seedlings all coming in for next month. Yeah for warmer weather in Central PA.
Robin says
I love the way that stone looks under the fence, it just pops out and looks so sharp at the corner! Great idea
I have tons of cool weather crops I will be transplanting today/ tomorrow into raised beds on the shady side of the house. My seeds grew like crazy this year. Kale, Orach (first time with it!) Swiss chard, Bok Choy, and spinach. Busy days ahead.
Wynne says
Ooh, I’ve been wanting to try Orach. I have the others in-ground now; maybe I’m further south. I think next year I’ll save the bok choy for fall, because the spring pests really like it (though so do we). I’m going to try amaranth for summer greens but haven’t started it yet.
Our shady-side raised beds got a makeover this year–new boards, compost filling, transplanted blueberries, currants, strawberries and herbs, plus new lettuces. I’d put all in the sun but it’s in short supply in my yard. I’m excited to have the berries in a spot where I can net them, though–we didn’t get any of last year’s ripened ones.
Robin artin says
It (Orach)has a really good taste ,spinach like and is supposed to hold up well to heat, according to what I have read
Carrie says
I have a garden bed that is a total mess. It was that way when we moved in 6 years ago and I just dont know what to do with it. It has an apple tree on one side, a small ‘eyebrow’ block wall the other as it is sloped. There was a weird bending over yucca in the middle that we finally pulled out yesterday.
Only problem is I dont know what to do now. I am not a big gardener and like low maintenance. It is full sun in the summer months.
Any good books to look at for ideas? I
Wynne says
Ooh, I’ve been wanting to try Orach. I have the others in-ground now; maybe I’m further south. I think next year I’ll save the bok choy for fall, because the spring pests really like it (though so do we). I’m going to try amaranth for summer greens but haven’t started it yet.
Our shady-side raised beds got a makeover this year–new boards, compost filling, transplanted blueberries, currants, strawberries and herbs, plus new lettuces. I’d put all in the sun but it’s in short supply in my yard. I’m excited to have the berries in a spot where I can net them, though–we didn’t get any of last year’s ripened ones.
Florence says
We live on the Texas Gulf Coast and much of what we are doing is clearing out the dead or damaged plants from our Freezepocalypse. I have been pleasantly surprised by how many plants are coming back from the roots. Unfortunately, all the palm trees around our area seem to be completely dead with no Re growth. Anyway, I am delighted to see all the green trees and wildflowers.
Diana says
I live in the San Diego area so we garden all year. On 1 1/2 acres we have chickens, over 100 trees, and grow the majority of our food. Gardening is a life style, so we work a little bit every day so it is not overwhelming. I love sharing food with random people, like the school crossing guard, delivery drivers, my hairdresser, the dentist, and people that walk by the house. I also love growing weird things no one has heard of. I do have an instagram, blossomvalleylife if you would like to see my garden.
Carolina Cooper says
Diana—I checked out your garden photos and they are so beautiful and artistic. On our little urban farm we have chickens and blueberry bushes, so far. We are on the Maine/New Hampshire border so south of Mavis.
Diana says
Thanks so much! Glad you are getting started on your urban farm. It is fun to learn new things and grow your own food!
Margo says
Getting melons and cakes transplanted this week. Currently growing several summer squash varieties, potatoes, honeydew, cantaloupe, tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, scallions, eggplant, green beans, and celery. Just finishing and storing carrots, (pickled some of them), and getting ready to dig up the rest of the kales and chards. Citrus is done for the year. Also have lots of garlic and herbs. Redoing the rose garden and need to trim up the cactus garden. Busy, busy!
Jeanine says
Hope your hubby is wearing a hat. And it looks warm enough that you don’t need a sweater or long sleeve shirt. Love the fence. Sweet!
Diane says
And Mavis too! I’ve dealt with skin cancer off and on over the years and it is no fun. Better to wear sunscreen and a hat!
Lisa says
Love your shirt!!!!!!!
Mavis Butterfield says
🙂
Janet says
Mavis!! I love your Camp Butterfield t-shirt!! That is so much fun!!
Please share how you are going to keep deer from hopping over your beautiful new fence!
You are my hero!!
Janet – Belfair, Wa
Laura says
The fence looks so beautiful!! Looks like that was the plan from the start!!
Deborah Herman says
Love your solution for the fence. Reminded me of some of the walls and fences in Scotland and Ireland. Generations using whatever was on hand and making it work. I’m loving it already.
Maxine says
Deer eat my hydrangea. I hope yours will be ok outside the fence. Deer come right up to my door to eat my hostas as too!
Glad you’re doing well. My Jewish husband laughed at the Matzah comment of letting stuff sit on it so you don’t choke. Me I think they’re just crackers. He rolls his eyes. Lol
Veronica says
I love how the fence turned out!
So far in my north-of-Seattle garden we’ve planted three types of radishes, four types of beets, a rainbow carrot blend, sugar snap peas, at least eight types of lettuce, cilantro, dill, turnips, Egyptian walking onions, parsley, Swiss chard, three types of kale, and leeks.
We started five types of tomatoes, basil, celery root, and marigolds inside. I planted the marigolds in a rotisserie chicken container to test your indoor greenhouse method.
We still have some Egyptian walking onions, parsnips, and calendula in the garden from last year.
Now, we’re waiting for everything to sprout!
Judi says
The stone retaining wall under the fence is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Teri says
LOVE your fence and LOVE your shirt! You & your HH are an inspiration!
Lisa says
Love the fence and stone wall! I also love the idea of a red brick walk way!! I can totally see it! I look forward to the finished garden!
We had some very warm weather early last week so I planted a short row of lettuce, spinach and kale just to see what would happen. Nothing coming up yet and it’s been cold and rain and snowing today , so we’ll see!
Inside so far my broccoli, red and green cabbage, cauliflower and tomato’s have all sprouted! Waiting in the peppers yet. Looking forward to garden season!
Take care!
Jessica says
Love seeing your yard and gardens progress! Be careful if Lucy is a chewer — both garlic and chives are toxic to pups.
Amy says
Starting my first garden EVER! To be honest, I am so nervous about it all. But more excited than anything. I am finding that my soil is a bit sandy. Trying to figure out how to remedy this. I am thinking about going the pallet route instead. I just found your site so I’m looking forward to reading more and learning tips and tricks to having a more beautiful back yard space!