The weather here in the Pacific Northwest has been crazy good lately, especially for the month of February.  So good in fact I had Monkey Boy mow the lawn yesterday. True, a lot of the lawn is currently covered with moss, 😉 but still, having it cut short and all the same length made my little OCD heart happy.
While Monkey Boy was mowing, I was planting. Cascade Delight raspberries to be exact. They produce big, fat, juicy berries and are perfect for making homemade raspberry jam. I will probably only get a handful of berries this summer from the 15 canes I planted, but next year I should have enough for a batch of jam. 
I also planted our first round of sugar snap peas. 
I decided to plant the peas in containers this year outside the door. I’ve been using the same trellises I purchased 8 years ago from Lowe’s to grow my peas on every spring, and I’m confident they’ll do fine in containers this year.
I also moved the boxwoods. What do you think? It looks much better now doesn’t it? I just need to buy a tall tree for the corner between the house and the air conditioning unit.
And, because I am a total nerd, I placed 33 small terra cotta pots in the side garden where I’ll be planting cabbage plants once the weather warms up. 🙂 I LOVE the look of formal vegetable gardens with all their vegetables lined up in perfect little rows. My plan is to plant radish seeds in front of the cabbage and lettuce seeds behind it in a few weeks. It will look MAGNIFICENT! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Keep calm and garden on,
~Mavis
Marivene says
Mavis, have you considered putting one of the Colonade apple trees in the space by the air conditioner? They only grow to be 2 1/2 feet wide & about 8 feet tall. I have the Maypole crabapple from Stark Bros (BEAUTIFUL dark pink blossoms, so the HOA should be happy) in my front flower bed, & int he back, I have two of the Scarlet Spire ones on either side of the entrance tot he garden,behind 2 short dry stack towers. Again, food hidden in plain site.
Cecily says
That’s a good idea! My grandmother had two on her patio and they looked really good without taking up much space. I’ve seen them at Watson’s nursery and have been considering putting a couple in my garden.
Mavis Butterfield says
I looooooove Watson’s!
Mavis Butterfield says
Oh Marivene that sounds lovely. I’ll check it. Thanks for the idea.
Chelsea says
Hi! What kind of tree are you thinking to plant near the AC unit? I am also looking for a tall tree to go in a corner of our yard and would love ideas. We live in Troutdale, OR so it can get pretty windy with the east gorge winds, but we need a tree. We need greenery and the privacy is an added bonus.
Oh, and the boxwoods do look great in their new spot. 🙂
Mavis Butterfield says
I haven’t decided yet but when I do you can bet I’ll take some pictures and share. 🙂
Mary Ann says
Will your strawberry plants produce berries this year?
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes, they should. 🙂
sabrina says
Mavis:
Did I miss the word of the day post?
Mavis Butterfield says
Word of the Day: Euphemism Definition: Substitution of a mild or more pleasant tern for a seemingly offensive one. Used in a sentence: A mishandler of the truth is an euphemism for a liar.
Debra says
Did you add anything to the to the soil? I am always confused what soil or combination to use. (Live in Texas) Please help. Thanks
Mavis Butterfield says
I simply dug up the boxwoods and moved them over a little. I used the same soil. But I do plan on amending my soil in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for a post on that.
Janet says
Why a tree so close to your foundation and siding? Trees roots want to street u as far as their branches reach up top in all directions under ground and putting shade in the siding is inviting green growths on the siding. Plus you would have stree dumping leaves on your AC unit. And studies have showing shading the into won’t cut its work significantly.
Why not a evergreen ground cover to keep back the weeds and a tall sculptural piece?
Cheryl says
I also wondered about that, I get that you are trying to cover up the AC unit, but placing a tree so close to the foundation usually means you have the roots invading the plumbing or jacking up your foundation. My mother went through this twice and finally had to get rid of the tree.
Sylvia says
You need to get a garden fence at least so Miss Lucy can help you garden! 🙂
Cheryl says
Yeah I have missed seeing Lucy in the garden with you.
Mavis Butterfield says
We are planning on installing an invisible fence this spring so she can play outside while I garden.
Barbara says
Not sure you should plant a tree so close to the foundation of your house. It may take a while, but they can really mess up a house foundation. Everything looks good though. We are freezing in Florida, lolol ok, i am freezing in Florida. 😉
Peggy says
Glad that you’re having such glorious weather there! Your sugar podded peas should do great in the pots. I grew them both in the garden and huge tubs on my front porch last year, both spring and fall, and my front porch peas were better than the in ground ones! In my case it was because the bunnies, groundhogs and deer don’t come on my front porch, but they were so prolific! I got a great crop!
Sarah says
Did I miss-read? 33 cabbage plants? If so, I’m looking forward to the recipes! I suggest choosing several varieties that will mature over an extended time.
Mavis Butterfield says
I think sauerkraut is on the list for sure!. 🙂
Carrie says
This weather has been so crazy that my daffodils bloomed today!!
Lauren says
I’m loving your garden plans! It’s going to be so pretty! One word of warning about snap peas in containers by the door — they will never make it in the house! Ha! Whenever I have done this in the past, my family just eats peas on the way in and out, and I never get to cook with them. I’ve learned to stash another pot of them out in the yard. 😉 Also, have you thought about a dwarf fruit tree next to the air conditioner? My vote is for a weeping santa rosa plum — largely because they are beautiful, provide plum jam, and I can’t grow them in Colorado, so I’m hoping to live vicariously through you. 🙂
Mavis Butterfield says
I never entertained the idea of a dwarf fruit tree in that area but now that you mention it…. I think it is a great idea! 🙂 Thanks Lauren.
Jenni says
Mavis ~ at your old house did you have a problem with squirrels or birds stealing your raspberries? The squirrels in my yard are little theives!! I tried sourrounding them with wildlife netting but they just chew through it. I need help if anyone out there has any suggestions on how to keep them away.