I thought it would be fun to document my garden progress this year through pictures. I will try to photograph the garden from the same locations each month to capture the seasons as they unfold. If you have a garden, I encourage you to do the same.
This year I will need to add more Vinca starts to the hillside. I also plan on removing the heather plants. When we first moved here I found heather plants on sale at the Home Depot for $2.50 each. At the time I thought it would be a great idea to line the edges of the grass with purple flowering heather. Fast forward to a few years later, I now think they are ugly. The vinca plants have taken over and the border of the lawn on this side is a mess.
Towards the top of the photo on the left hand side you’ll notice a rather large pile of dirt The pile of dirt will be the site for this years squash patch. I have not measured the space but it is quite substantial and I do plan on enlarging the area over the next few weeks to accommodate the numerous varieties of winter squash I want to grow this year.
Again, I’ll be removing the heather plants and replacing them with something else, although I’m not sure with what.
The only reason I took a photo at this location was because I’m debating on whether or not to plant a pumpkin patch within the confines of the neon orange barked area. I think it might be fun. Not to mention a pumpkin patch would be way better to look at than bark. Especially once spring comes around and the Handsome Husband starts fertilizing the crack out of the lawn again like he does every year. The soon to be techno green lawn mixed with the neon glow of orange bark might just be too much to handle.
This is a photo of our raspberry patch. To the right are strawberry plants and a row of bushes. Sunflower seeds will be planted behind the bushes.
My plan for the raspberry patch this year is to plant beets and onions about 6 inches away from the raspberry canes in alternating rows. I did this a few years back and it worked out really well. Since this area was the chickens play ground these past 9 months, I expect to harvest some seriously large fruits and vegetables from this area soon.
How about you?
Have you started to plan this years garden yet?
Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre
Michelle says
I like the monthly photo idea…I’ll join in! I think I’ll take mine from the deck…sort of a bird’s eye view…or maybe more of a butterfly’s eye view…my deck is only three steps off the ground. 🙂 I definitely think you should grow pumpkins. We did one year by accident (volunteers from the previous years carving) and they were very low maintenance and very rewarding.
Mavis says
You should do it Figgs. You are a wonderful photographer!
Desi says
I wish my backyard looked so neat and tidy but lately I can’t seem to get outside, it’s just been so cold (or at least that’s the excuse I’m going with). I like the idea of a picture each month! That way I know next year what was planted where and what I did or didn’t like, my garden is always changing as I learn and it grows. I have started to organize the garden in my head but nothing on paper yet. I’ve also come up with an area behind our concrete fence where I’ll be planting strictly cut flowers, love having fresh flowers in my house and I’m excited about this one. Any favorites you reccommend for cut flowers?
Mavis says
I am a sunflower girl. I have a bunch of Mongolian Giant Sunflower seeds if you want me to send you some.
Desi says
I’ve grown large sunflowers before,not sure what variety. Those would be fun. Two years ago I grew multi colored ones and they were neat but they had a lot of pollen, I’m researching what ones have less.
Pattie F. says
Your garden and yard look lovely! Can’t wait to see pictures when everything is green. Do you use cedar planks to make your beds?
Mike says
I’m looking forward to seeing how your garden progresses. After all, this is going to be the best gardening season ever…right.:)
Mavis says
According the the Farmers Almanac this summer is suppose to be warmer than usual. Hot Diggety!
Laura says
How much sunlight do you get? Just wondering? 🙂
Mavis says
Pretty good I guess. Some areas are better than others.